Listen to what the Lord is saying:
“Stand up and state your case against me. Let the mountains and hills be called to witness your complaints. 2 And now, O mountains, listen to the Lord’s complaint! He has a case against his people. He will bring charges against Israel. 3 “O my people, what have I done to you? What have I done to make you tired of me? Answer me! 4 For I brought you out of Egypt and redeemed you from slavery. I sent Moses, Aaron, and Miriam to help you. 5 Don’t you remember, my people, how King Balak of Moab tried to have you cursed and how Balaam son of Beor blessed you instead? And remember your journey from Acacia Grove to Gilgal, when I, the Lord, did everything I could to teach you about my faithfulness.” Micah 6:1-5 NLT
Our Father,
Micah returns to His message of judgement, against the society he lived amongst, and sets the scene of a court and trial. Trials are still much the same today. Reading the charges asking for a response of guilty or innocent and calling witnesses.
I have never noticed before, but You, God puts yourself in the dock and asks what You have done wrong. What are the charges against You? You calls on the mountains to be Your witnesses as they literally have seen it all! Then You cite all the occasions when You did provide and was faithful.
So many people today blame You. God for all sorts of things. Put You on trial and have already decided You are guilty. It reminds me of a hill that witnessed Your faithfulness, and men’s sin. Where Jesus took our punishment.
Today we thank You for your faithfulness to us today. I give thanks that King Hezekiah and the people heard and responded to Micah and Your Word and changed their behaviour (Jeremiah 26:18-19). They returned to Your blessing for a while anyway! Help us to respond to Your faithfulness and not be prone to wander or sin.
Our Father,
Who art in heaven and yet in the hearts of men by Your Spirit, bless those we know and love. Guide and direct their paths and touch them where they hurt and need healing, where they need light and hope and purpose. Thank You for our church fellowship and those who faithfully pray for us each day or week.
We pray for our justice system which gained such a backlog in Covid and which was already overburdened with cases. Many are long and complicated. We ask that You would call those with wisdom to become judges and magistrates. Grant them divine discernment. Help the system cope and catch up. Though we pray by Your hand criminals would find You, repent and not add to the case load.
We pray for families of those in prison who need help and we pray for the victims of crime whose lives have been changed forever. Be their provider.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Friday 11th August 2023
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh, let the ancient words impart
Words of Life, words of Hope
Give us strength, help us cope
In this world, where e’er we roam
Ancient words will guide us home
Chorus:
Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart
Holy words of our Faith
Handed down to this age
Came to us through sacrifice
Oh heed the faithful words of Christ
Holy words long preserved
For our walk in this world
They resound with God’s own heart
Oh let the ancient words impart
Chorus
Ancient words ever true
Changing me and changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh, let the ancient words impart
Lyrics: Michael W Smith