The Way of Tov: Walking Humbly with God
For Meditation
We’ve been looking together at Micah’s simple description of the “good way,” or the Way of Tov- Micah’s summary of the Law and his prescription for how God’s people can be a clear witness to the goodness of God. We’ve seen that it includes first being a people of justice (mishpat), and next being a people of mercy (hesed). Both of these first two actions are oriented toward how we treat our neighbor, both justly and compassionately. In the final action, the orientation is toward our relationship with God- that we would be those who “walk humbly with God.”
“Walking with God” is a massive metaphor in Scripture that stretches from Genesis to Revelation. It’s essentially a synonym for “fellowship with God” or “life with God.” The saints of old like Noah, Abraham or David are commended for being those who walked with God, while the wicked Kings of Israel are condemned for not walking with God but instead walking in the way of the nations. Through the Wisdom Literature, the good life is portrayed as the one in which a person walks closely in God’s presence ("Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord.” Psalm 89:15). And in the New Testament, “to walk in the light” (John 11:9, 1 John 1:7) means to follow after Jesus and to surrender to his Kingdom reign. So “to walk humbly with God” means to live a life of ongoing communion with God, humbly surrendered to his rule and reign, living a dependent, God-centered life rather than a life of independence, pride and rebellion. This is the way of abundance, the way of Tov.
In preparation for worship, think about your own walk with God. Where do you notice intimacy, connection, and ease in your relationship with God? Where do you notice estrangement, discomfort, or disconnection? Take a walk outside and talk to God about it. Share your heart, your longings and hope about your life with him, and then pause for a moment to rest in his presence. Notice if God speaks back. He longs to walk with you, and invites you to walk with him.
Micah 6:1–8
1 Listen to what the Lord says:
“Stand up, plead my case before the mountains;
let the hills hear what you have to say.
2 “Hear, you mountains, the Lord’s accusation;
listen, you everlasting foundations of the earth.
For the Lord has a case against his people;
he is lodging a charge against Israel.
3 “My people, what have I done to you?
How have I burdened you? Answer me.
4 I brought you up out of Egypt
and redeemed you from the land of slavery.
I sent Moses to lead you,
also Aaron and Miriam.
5 My people, remember
what Balak king of Moab plotted
and what Balaam son of Beor answered.
Remember your journey from Shittim to Gilgal,
that you may know the righteous acts of the Lord.”
6 With what shall I come before the Lord
and bow down before the exalted God?
Shall I come before him with burnt offerings,
with calves a year old?
7 Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,
with ten thousand rivers of olive oil?
Shall I offer my firstborn for my transgression,
the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?
8 He has shown you, O mortal, what is good.
And what does the Lord require of you?
To act justly and to love mercy
and to walk humbly with your God.