“I will surely gather all of you, Jacob;
I will surely bring together the remnant of Israel.
I will bring them together like sheep in a pen,
like a flock in its pasture;
the place will throng with people.
13 The One who breaks open the way will go up before them;
they will break through the gate and go out.
Their King will pass through before them,
the Lord at their head.” Micah 2:12,13 NIV
Lord, Shepherd and King,
Micah is a prophet of bad news for the rebellious people of God. Bit like the behaviour we hear of in the news today. Most of the 10 commandments trodden over Trouble, threat of spreading trouble and risk of it being unsurmountable. Imagine being forced to leave your home, your own country, and made to live in a different land. Imagine that you are held captive in a foreign city – a prisoner in a foreign land. You cannot go back home. This was the reality of what Micah prophesied concerning the Israelites. Many people know this today!
But, but there in the middle of his doom and gloom, trouble and judgment, there was hope. This same God who holds them accountable and brings judgment to the oppressors, will surely save His people in the end. God will do it. They cannot. And You did do it. You gave and sent Jesus, who broke open the way. You kept Your promise but there is more to come.
Peter calls us believers, a people who are like aliens and strangers in a foreign land (1 Peter 2:11). Jesus called us into the Kingdom of God (Luke 17:20-21). Micah’s prophesy reminds us that You came but will come again and You will lead Your people and there will be a new heaven and a new earth. Amidst our present history we have hope for today, hope for tomorrow and hope for the future.
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
God and Coming King,
We pray for those we love and care about for their here and now. Help them in their present needs and give them a glimpse of the glory to come and heaven. For now, we ask You to help and strengthen and heal.
We pray for Ukraine fighting for freedom for their realm. We pray You will not bring peace just for them but as a witness to the world that war is not the solution. And we long to see an end to the death and trauma and suffering of all those involved in war.
We pray for our King and his family, that he might know the qualities a king needs and the willingness to practice them. For our Parliament that they might be honest and seek the best for the nation. Uncover anything not worthy or unholy. Bless those who are working hard for their constituencies.
We continue to pray for the farmers who need sun and warm and dry conditions for harvesting. Help them.
In Jesus name we pray,
Worship Tuesday 8th August 2023
The Lord’s my shepherd, I’ll not want
He makes me lie in pastures green.
He leads me by the still, still waters,
His goodness restores my soul.
And I will trust in You alone.
And I will trust in You alone,
For Your endless mercy follows me,
Your goodness will lead me home.
He guides my ways in righteousness,
And He anoints my head with oil,
And my cup, it overflows with joy,
I feast on His pure delights.
Chorus with descant
And though I walk the darkest path,
I will not fear the evil one,
For You are with me, and Your rod and staff
Are the comfort I need to know.
Chorus with descant
Lyrics: Stuart Townend