Learning from Malachi, Micah, and Hosea
What does it truly mean to live a good life and honor God? The ancient prophets of the Old Testament—Malachi, Micah, and Hosea—give us clear and helpful answers. Even though their words were written thousands of years ago, their teachings are still important for our lives today. They encourage us all to build communities based on justice, mercy, and humility. These values remind us of God’s never-changing faithfulness and call us to live better lives.
God’s Judgment and Faithfulness
Malachi teaches us that God’s judgment is real and serious. He reminds people that whole nations can fall, not just because of bad luck, but because of the choices they make. For example, Edom fell because of their actions. But Israel survived, not because they were perfect, but because God kept His promise. God’s faithfulness is a great comfort, but it also means we are responsible for how we live.
The Importance of Knowledge
Hosea 4:6 says, “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” This is a strong warning—not just about not knowing facts, but about not seeking wisdom and understanding. God wants us to learn, grow, and think carefully about our beliefs and choices. When we ignore knowledge, whether it is spiritual or practical, we can harm ourselves and our communities.
Micah’s Simple Guide for Living
Micah 6:8 gives us a simple and clear way to live: “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God.” These three commands are a perfect guide for anyone who wants to please God.
1. Act Justly
Justice is not just about laws or courts; it is about living with fairness every day. Acting justly means standing up for people who are treated unfairly, being honest, and making sure everyone gets what is right. When we choose justice, we show the world what God is like—a God who loves fairness and truth.
2. Love Mercy
Mercy means showing kindness, forgiveness, and compassion, even when it is not deserved. To love mercy is to choose grace instead of holding grudges. It is about helping others, being generous, and working toward peace. God shows us mercy, and we should do the same for others.
3. Walk Humbly with God
Humility is knowing that we need God’s help every day. Walking humbly means trusting God, asking for His guidance, and not thinking we are better than others. It is about serving people quietly and being open to learning and growing.
Justice at the Heart of the Gospel
Justice is a key part of the message of Jesus. The gospel is about God forgiving and restoring people—making wrong things right and healing what is broken. When we follow Jesus, we are called to stand up for justice, help people who are hurting, and speak up for those who have no voice.
Biblical Justice: Relationships Matter
In the Bible, justice is about how we treat each other and our relationship with God. God wants us not only to avoid doing wrong, but to actively do what is right and help others. We are called to build a world where people are treated with love, dignity, and respect.
The Christian’s Role in Pursuing Justice
As Christians, we believe God is the ultimate judge, but God also wants us to work for justice here and now. The old rules may have been written in a different time, but their message is the same: God wants people who do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly. Today, these principles guide us to be peacemakers, helpers, and friends to those in need.
Let’s take up this call: to act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God. When we do, we bring hope, healing, and true justice to our world—just as God has always wanted.
afrancinegreen.com 