Micah, part 5 Chapters 6 and 7 Israel, the Church and You

Odek, Uganda

But the wisdom that comes from heaven is first of all pure; then peace-loving, considerate, submissive, full of mercy and good fruit, impartial and sincere. Peacemakers who sow in peace raise a harvest of righteousness. James 3:17,18

Archbishop Odama – just, merciful, humble

The bwola, an invitation to peace

Micah 6 and 7 at a glance  6:1-8 Micah is appointed prosecutor  6:9-16 Accusation; injustice, violence, pride  7:1-7 Judgement; misery and mistrust  7:8-13 Redemption and vindication  7:14-20 A merciful, powerful shepherd But I will leave within you the meek and humble. The remnant of Israel will trust in the name of the L ORD. They will do no wrong; they will tell no lies. A deceitful tongue will not be found in their mouths. They will eat and lie down and no one will make them afraid.’ Zeph 3:12,13

The promise to the Patriarchs ‘I will make you into a great nation, and I will bless you; I will make your name great, and you will be a blessing. I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse; and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you.’ Gen 12:2,3

An out-of-court settlement  Sacrifice and offering  Giving and good works  Child sacrifice For I desire mercy, not sacrifice, and acknowledgment of God rather than burnt offerings. Hosea 6:6 Take your evil deeds out of my sight; stop doing wrong. Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow. Isaiah 1:16,17 ‘I hate, I despise your religious festivals; your assemblies are a stench to me. Even though you bring me burnt offerings and grain offerings, I will not accept them. Though you bring choice fellowship offerings, I will have no regard for them. Away with the noise of your songs! I will not listen to the music of your harps. But let justice roll on like a river, righteousness like a never-failing stream!’ Amos 5:21-24

How not to live as one forgiven

How to live as forgiven people He has shown you, O mortal, what is good. And what does the L ORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God. Micah 6:8

Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne; love and faithfulness go before you. Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you, who walk in the light of your presence, Lord. Psalm 89:14

Credits  Artwork: Eugene Burnand,  Photographs: Jon Warren, WVI 2007