I love to minister to the sick and the old because I've got good news for every man and woman no matter what their condition.

God keeps his promises, the greatest news in all the world, and they are firm when we are free.

What difference should it make to us that God keeps his promises?

John Piper answers that question from the Book of Micah in this episode of

Light and Truth. This sermon was originally preached at Bethlehem Baptist Church on December 12, 1982.

Turned over to chapter 6.

We'll move into this by noticing what God requires of Israel if he is going to bring blessing upon these people.

Chapter 6, verse 7 and 8.

Will the Lord be pleased with thousands of rams,

with 10,000 rivers of oil?

Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression, the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?

He has showed you, O man, what is good and what does the Lord require of you but to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly

with your God.

Aren't those the very three things that Jesus criticized the Pharisees for neglecting.

He said, you tithe mint, deal, and cumin, but you neglect the way to your matters of the law, justice, love, and faith. And don't those

correspond faith to walking humbly with your God? Love or mercy to loving mercy and justice to doing justice.

Jesus had the same requirement today as Micah did for the people of Israel then.

If they would do that, if they would look to God

and accept his mercy into their lives and walk humbly in it.

Their hearts would be changed so that they love mercy and loving mercy they would begin to seek justice for mistreated people.

But now if that's true... seek justice for mistreated people.

But, now if that's true, a big question to ask Micah is,

...