Pastor's Column 1/14/2024

PASTOR’S COLUMN

“… O People, the Lord has told you what is good, and this is what He requires of you: to do what is right, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God.”             Micah 6:8, NLT

"What Is Good!”

What is truly good, is close to God. The opposite of this is, the wrong and evil we encounter, is alien and detestable to God. Throughout history God has placed on the lips of his servants, the truth. When that truth is followed, we can experience a more just society. Instinctive in human nature is the strong tendency to reject any truth, that challenges what is valued by a particular group, clan, or culture. This is especially so, if a person’s life has been oriented toward certain values, which benefit their group; while denying others the freedom, benefits, and security they have. What makes the authentic truth, or good, as the prophet Micah called it; is, at its core a moral command to “do what is right.” In responding to the admonition of God, a person is not merely asked for an opinion. The conscience is prodded to do; and one’s life to be, what God has commanded and intended. This is a great challenge, owed to an aspect of our independence as humans. This is why those who preached the truth were summarily beaten; jailed; and run out of town. We witness this notably in the lives of Jeremiah and Amos. How can we forget the treatment of Jesus, when he spoke in his hometown of Nazareth the truth about racial inclusion. He later said, “A prophet is honored everywhere except in his own hometown, and among his relatives and his own family.” (Mark 5:4, NLT). The prophet Micah has echoed the great ethical/moral teaching God gives us; as to how we should live; treat others; and honor Him. We are required to do what is right; to love mercy; and to live a life in humble submission to God. This is what we must do, to save civilization; and our nations. Martin King Jr., took up the prophetic mantle, and preached this truth. From his mother’s womb, 95 years ago, God ordained King for that great task. It was in his own country, where the truth was rejected; he was beaten; harassed; and became a martyr!