Day 2 – March 19, 2020
Micah 6:6-8 

6  “With what shall I come before the Lord,
    and bow myself before God on high?
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 thousands of rivers of oil?
Shall I give my firstborn for my transgression,
    the fruit of my body for the sin of my soul?”
8  He has told you, O mortal, what is good;
    and what does the Lord require of you
but to do justice, and to love kindness,
    and to walk humbly with your God?
Serve the Lord
The Old Testament Prophet Micah shares the Word of the Lord with the people of the southern kingdom of Israel. Their neighbors to the north have been taken into captivity, and the writing on the wall is that this remnant is next. They have forgotten God’s plan of justice where the vulnerable are cared for by others. Micah offers a vision of the future, when people will walk in God’s ways, adhere to God’s will and follow God’s path. The people “…will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid.” (Micah 4:3-4) This is what God will do.

God reminds the people of when God delivered the people from Egypt and led them to the promised land, and how God has been faithful in God’s saving acts and covenant. This is what God has done.

In response, what does God require? Great sacrifices? Elaborate worship? Incredible offerings? No.

Here it is – 
  • Do Justice
  • Love Kindness
  • Walk Humbly

Got it? 

Our service is in response to God’s faithfulness. Martin Luther stated that our service is our natural response to God. Luther wrote, “God does not need your good works, but your neighbor does.” (Wingren, Luther on Vocation, 10). And if you need a definition of neighbor, the parable of the Good Samaritan is where to turn (Luke 10:25-37). Jesus is asked, “Who is my neighbor?” Who is it I am to love as I love myself? A short answer to the question is “YOU are the neighbor.” 

Do you know your neighbor? What do they need? What can you offer? Why don’t you ask?

While we were yet sinners, Christ died for us. In response, we serve. We love because God first loved us!

  • Do Justice
  • Love Kindness
  • Walk Humbly

Let us pray:
Almighty God, forgive us of our selfish ways, and turn our focus to those you have placed before us. Use our hands and feet to do your will, share your love, and proclaim your good news. In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Remember to...