You have been told, O man, what is good, Has any prophet articulated better than Micah God’s perennial desire for us? Assyria was threatening the entire Middle East including Israel. Indeed in 721 BC the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell. During one of the most turbulent periods of Jewish history Micah prophesied. Micah asks rather cynically how Jews might come before the Lord to solicit favor and protection in view of the turmoil swirling around them. Should they come with sacrifices of burnt offerings of year-old calves, thousands of rams or even a first born child? What does the Lord want? Micah’s s response echoes throughout the ages: Do right, love goodness, walk humbly before the Lord. Our age is also immersed in political turmoil. We observe daily growing levels of conflict between nations and within nations. Sadly much of the turmoil can even be traced to religious conflicts.. And we ask what the Lord wants. The voice of God speaks to us today primary through Jesus — Jesus raised from the dead fulfilling the sign of Jonah. And the voice rises up within us. Through faith and baptism we share Jesus' dignity of priest, prophet and king. And through the Indwelling Spirit the voice of Jesus echoes Micah’s perennial message: Do right, love goodness, and walk humbly before the Lord. What great comfort we enjoy knowing that listening to the voice of Jesus rising within us we remain on God's path despite the turmoil swirling around us! |