Inspired by Micah 2:1-13
“‘Do not preach’—thus they preach—‘one should not preach of such things; disgrace will not overtake us.’ Should this be said, O house of Jacob? Is the Lord’s patience exhausted? Are these his doings? Do not my words do good to one who walks uprightly?” Micah 2:6-7
We all want to hear affirmation. We all want to hear that we’re doing enough. We all want to hear God say to us, “Well done, good and faithful servant.” We know that Christ has paid the price for our sin, washed us clean, and that we can never earn our way into heaven with our good works. But we need to be able to hear the other things that God has to say. We need to hear that has God freed us from sin for his service, and that Christ’s death and resurrection do not give us a free pass to do whatever we want. Words like those uttered by Micah warn those who exploit others for their own personal gain that what they are doing is not acceptable, that God will administer justice and restore his people. Of course everyone makes mistakes and must live with their own shortcomings, but there’s a difference between making a mistake and intentionally hurting someone else to make your own life easier or more comfortable. The promise of justice delivered is only threatening to those who are unjust, and a gospel that affirms injustice is no gospel.
Let us pray. Gracious God, you love all your people and desire for all to live in peace. Grant us the humility to accept your words, and grant us the courage to work for justice, that all of your people may share in the bounty you have given us on earth. Through Christ our Lord, Amen.
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