Deeper Reflection
GOD CLEARLY REQUIRES AND CALLS HIS PEOPLE TO DO justice wherever they live. Today’s Scripture text contains verses familiar to many Christians. What do they mean for Christians today? The prophet Micah ministered in Judah during the reigns of kings Jotham, Ahaz and Hezekiah (Mic 1:1)⁵⁷, most likely between 735 and 700 B.C.⁵⁸ The social conditions there were similar to those in the northern kingdom of Israel in the prophet Amos’ day. Like Amos, Micah spoke out strongly against the people of Israel, denouncing the wealthy and powerful in society for practising injustice against the poor and the weak, and warning of God’s impending judgment. The preceding chapters tell us that the powerful seized fields and houses belonging to others (Mic 2:1-2), the leaders oppressed the people (Mic 3:1-3); the heads and judges perverted justice for bribes, and the priests and prophets coveted money (Mic 3:9-11; 7:2-3); and businesspeople dealt dishonestly (Mic 6:10-12).The word “justice” (v.8. Hebrew mishpat) means to treat people equitably. Micah answered his own questions in verses 6 and 7 by pointing out that God delights in righteous attitudes rather than rituals and sacrifices. He is pleased when His people do justice, love kindness and walk humbly with Him (v.8). How should we do justice in our society? First, let us care for the poor, weak and vulnerable members of society.⁵⁹ Second, let us inspire and encourage one another to use our resources to help those in need.⁶⁰ Third, let us do our part to promote the freedom of religion and safeguard the values of love and respect for fellow human beings, God’s image-bearers.⁶¹

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⁵⁷ The prophet Isaiah also prophesied during this period (Isa 1:1). ⁵⁸ https://www.biblica.com/resources/scholar-notes/niv-study-bible/intro-to-micah/ ⁵⁹ For example, widows, single mothers, orphans, youths at risk, unborn babies, the elderly poor and migrant workers. ⁶⁰ Indeed, as one senior Christian leader rightly pointed out, one major problem facing the Singapore Church is materialism. ⁶¹ The past two years of the COVID-19 pandemic have shone a spotlight on how Singaporeans have treated the migrant workers in our land and the need for us to  repent and do much better. Christian Singaporeans must rise up to show the way forward in respecting, appreciating and helping the migrant workers. They face many difficulties in seeking a better life for themselves and their families back home. For example, to get a job in Singapore through multiple agents, a migrant construction worker can get into a debt of up to S$11,000, which will take years for him to repay: https://www.bbc.com/news/business-54654813