What Does the Lord Require

February 1, 2026 Micah 6:1-8 What does the Lord Require 4th Sunday after Epiphany Year A Prelude Greeting Call to Worship (Inspired by Psalm 15) One: Giving thanks to God, we’re eager to act out our faith. Many: We want to do what is right, and speak what is true. One: Today we choose to walk blamelessly and do what is right. Many: This day we will do no evil to our friends; One: this day we will not slander any person. Many: This day we join in all who want to abide in God. ALL: We stand by our confession of faith, even when that’s hard to do. Opening Prayer Oh God, Our Creator, Redeemer, Sustainer- How do we thank you? How do we show our gratitude? Do you want signs and sacrifices? Do you want gold and cattle? Can we turn over our children to you? Would that repay our debt, make everything right? Tell us, what do you require in return for all your goodness? Oh God, Our teacher, example, companion— You have shown us what is good, and call us to remember that what you require is not repayment of debt or settling the score, but obedience. Show us, God, When to do justice, how to love kindness, and where to walk, humbly, with you. Amen. Written by Dana Cassell, a former BVS volunteer. Posted on the Church of the Brethren website, https://www.brethren.org/. Re-posted on the re:Worship blog at https://re-worship.blogspot.com/2014/01/prayer-micah-6-6-8.html. Song What does the Lord Require UMH 441 Sermon for all Ages Children’s Sermon: “What Does God Want From Us?” (Bring a small backpack and a few stones or heavy objects.) Good morning, friends! I have something with me today. Do you know what this is? (Hold up backpack.) Yes—a backpack! What kinds of things do you put in a backpack? (Let kids answer: books, snacks, toys, water.) Backpacks are meant to carry things that help us, right? Now, imagine if every time you walked somewhere, you put a rock in your backpack. (Put one stone in.) And then another rock. (Add another.) And another. Now, imagine if every time you walked somewhere, you put a rock in your backpack. (Put one stone in.) And then another rock. (Add another.) And another. (Add another.) How would that feel after a while? Heavy? Hard to carry? Sometimes people think following God is like carrying a backpack full of heavy rocks—like we have to do so manythings to make God happy. In our Bible story today, the people were wondering, “What does God want us to do?” They thought God wanted big things—lots of gifts, lots of rules, lots of hard work. But God said something very simple. God said, “I don’t want heavy backpacks.” God wants three things. Let’s count them together—hold up three fingers. 1️⃣ Do what is fair That means being fair and standing up for others. 2️⃣ Be kind Not just once—but loving kindness every day. 3️⃣ Walk with God Like walking with a friend, talking and listening to God. That’s it. No heavy rocks. No giant backpack. Just fairness, kindness, and walking with God. So here’s the question for you this week: • How can you be kind at school? • How can you be fair with your friends? • How can you remember that God walks with you everywhere you go? Let’s say this together: “God doesn’t want heavy backpacks—God wants kind hearts.” Let’s pray. (Prayer) Dear God, Thank you for loving us. Help us to be fair, help us to be kind, and help us to walk with you every day. Amen. (ChaptGPT 5.2) Responsive Reading Psalm 15 UMH 747 New Member Ceremony It was in the latter part of the eighth century BC that Micah prophesied. He was a young contemporary of Isaiah, Hosea and Amos. He and Isaiah brought God's message to the people of Judah in the South while Hosea and Amos took it north to Israel. It was a period of turmoil and change. Assyria was fast becoming a world power to challenge the hegemony of Egypt. There was one battle after another with the little nations used only as pawns in the wider struggle. Israel and Judah were constantly threatened by one power or another. It was a difficult time. Like Amos, Micah was a product of the countryside...a farmer...and like farmers throughout the centuries, he had a certain mistrust of city slickers. In his case, he had good reason: it was the city slickers who were fleecing the folks of the countryside that Micah knew as friends and neighbors; it was city slicker judges who took bribes to render unfair judgments; city slicker priests who were immoral and corrupt; city slicker prophets who would prophesy anything you might want in exchange for a few shekels. No wonder Micah thought of the cities as cesspools of sin. To be sure, he had plenty to complain about concerning the nation's religious habits. It was bad enough that the prophets and priests were not living up to expectations, but the reason they were not was that the people did not want them to. The only preaching they wanted to hear was "God's in his heaven and all's right with the world." Micah even joked about it: "If a liar and deceiver comes and says `I will prophesy for you plenty of wine and beer,' he would be just the preacher for this people."(1) They did not want to be embarrassed by anyone who would have called them to account for their behavior. It was time for them to hear a word from the Lord. So Micah came to them with a message that was not only valid for his own age, but for every age to come. Scripture Micah 6:1-8 Sermon What does the Lord Require Every since there has been television shows, I think we have been fascinated with court scenes. We want to watch the evidence presented, we want to be a part of the drama, we want to judge for ourselves if the person is innocent or not. As a child, I would watch television with my grandma. She looked forward to watching Perry Mason every time it came on. And more recently there was Judge Judy, who’s motto is Justice with an attitude. I think my favorite court show most recently was the Steve Harvey show – where family and friends could present a case against one another and Steve would determine how to resolve the issue. I enjoyed this show, because Steve Harvey would get involved in the issue, and it was a matter of money – a lot of times he would donate his own money to make things right. Not only was there justice, but there was mercy. Well actually, our fascination with court scenes goes all the way back to the bible. The bible is full of court drama. We love the drama until we are the person who is accused.’ Micah 6 is the story of when God sues us all for forgetting about our relationship. We think that life is all about us and what we have done for ourselves. We have forgotten about how God cares for us every day. God asks the jury the question – What have I done that people have forgotten all about me. Then he calls the mountains, the trees and all of nature as witnesses – they are consistent, they praise God every day, they have never strayed and then they point to us – who are inconsistent, if faithful at all. We realize that we cant fight the charges. And even though we have a lawyer always on call – Jesus. There is no need to call- we know that we are guilty as charged. This time is it not God who asks the question – it is us – what must we do to make things right. What do you want from us. God calmly comes to the front of the courtroom again – Do Justice, give kindness, and walk humbly with God. Be just, and not just fair. Not to worry about giving people what they deserve – which is fairness – but to make sure that conditions are fair, so that everyperson has the same chance. When we see that people don’t have a fair chance at life – change the conditions. Be kind, not just nice. Nice is when we are polite, nice is when we follow social protocal. Nice is how we treat people on the surface. Kindness is making sure that people are heard, and going out of our way to take care of them. Someone said that kindness always cost us something. Our society is no different. We think of ourselves as kind people: we are gentle with animals; we do not permit the mistreatment of prisoners of war; we give billions to charity...but the same indictments could be laid at our doorstep as those for ancient Israel. We think of our judicial system as fair, but we know it is much more "fair" with those who have money and power. There are laws on the books to protect people from the shady business practices that can bankrupt good families, but thousands lose millions every year because there are so many loopholes in the laws. Yes, we give money for the relief of suffering, but we give out of our abundance - what we do not really need - with the result that what is given is not nearly enough. In short, we are a kind nation...whenever it is convenient. Safe to say, Micah would object. A student told about a famous lecturer who came to the college he attended who spoke about feeding the people of India. He listed several good reasons for doing so - more people would be employed, friendlier relations with other countries would be established. In addition, we would continue to be in the good graces of the Indian people and of the government. During the informal discussion which followed, the oldest and most revered professor at the college asked, "But, Doctor, don't you think maybe we ought to feed them just because they're hungry?" That is the question that joins justice and kindness.(6) Justice and loving-kindness...critical to the living of lives that are pleasing to God. But one can be just without being religious. One can be kind without any religious inclination. That is why Micah says REAL religion requires one thing more: a humble walk with God. And finally we are told to walk humbly with God. “In his book, Faith That Endures, Ronald Boyd-MacMillan tells the story of a number of conversations he has had with Wang Mingdao, one of China's most famous church pastors of the last century. The first time he met this famous—and persecuted—Chinese pastor, they had the following interchange: ‘Young man, how do you walk with God?’ I listed off a set of disciplines such as Bible study and prayer, to which he mischievously retorted, ‘Wrong answer. To walk with God, you must go at walking pace.’ The words of Wang Mingdao touched me to the core. How can I talk about the Christian life as walking with God when I so often live it at a sprint? Of course, we ‘run with perseverance the race marked out for us,’ but we may fail to run with ‘our eyes [fixed] on Jesus, the pioneer and perfecter of faith’ (Heb 12:1-2). Jesus is inviting me to walk with him. Too often, I find myself running for him. There's a difference! On another visit, Boyd-MacMillan asked Wang Mingdao about his twenty-year imprisonment for proclaiming Jesus in China. That cell became a place of unchosen unhurried time for Mingdao. There was nothing to do but to be in God's presence, which he discovered was actually everything. Boyd-MacMillan summarizes what he learned from Wang Mingdao: One of the keys to the faith of the suffering church: God does things slowly. He works with the heart. We are too quick. We have so much to do—so much in fact we never really commune with God as he intended when he created Eden, the perfect fellowship garden. For Wang Mingdao, persecution, or the cell in which he found himself, was the place where he returned to ‘walking pace,’ slowing down, stilling himself enough to commune properly with God.” Source: Ronald Boyd-MacMillan, Faith That Endures (Revell, 2006), p. 307; Allan Fadling, An Unhurried Life (IVP, 2013), pp. 13-14. Don’t get so caught up in life that you cant hear the voice of God speaking, that you cant take the time to speak to God before you speak to others, to make some time in each day to listen to God. So often, people think that "walking humbly" with God means doing a lot of things that appear to be religious, like preaching or becoming a missionary or teaching a Sunday school class. There is nothing wrong with any of these activities. However, "walking humbly with God" simply means living our lives so others can see something of God in us. "Walking humbly with God" simply means living in quiet fellowship with God. "Walking humbly with God" simply means that you seize those opportunities to do the things that God would be doing. There’s a story told about a man who went on a long hike. Before he started, he packed his backpack carefully—food, water, a jacket. But as he walked, every time he reached a crossroads, he picked up a stone and added it to his bag—just in case. One stone for safety. One stone for control. One stone for fear of making the wrong choice. At first, the stones didn’t feel heavy. But mile after mile, the pack grew heavier. Finally, exhausted, he sat down and said, “Why is this so hard?” A fellow hiker stopped and said, “You’re carrying more than you need.” The man replied, “But what if I need these later?” The other hiker said, “You can’t walk far if you insist on carrying everything.” So he began taking the stones out—one by one. And suddenly, the walk became possible again. That’s what the people are doing in Micah. They are piling stones into their spiritual backpacks: • More sacrifice. • More performance. • More religious weight. Not because God asked for it— but because they think faith must be heavy to be faithful. God doesn’t meet us in the courtroom with justice, he meets us with mercy and with grace. I am not suing you to punish you, but to give you an opportunity to think to repent. Everything that we do in life is a response to God’s grace. What would Jesus have us to do in this day- Do justice, act Kind and to walk humbly with our God. Let us pray…… Song Be Thou My Vision UMH 451 Prayer (Do not Print) Let us pray. Holy God, what a world you have made! Everywhere we look, we see evidence of your grace, we give thanks for friends and family, hearth and home, talents and treasures. What blessings you bestow upon us. Yet, amid the blessings, we see the hurt and pain of our world. We can’t turn away, for so many are hurting, so we turn to you. God of blessings, hear our prayer. We pray for the church, for this church, the pastor(s), leaders, and congregation, and the church universal, all those who hear and believe in a great diversity of voices the whole world round. Open our hearts and whisper words of your truth within us. Open our ears so we can hear even those truths that bewilder and challenge us. Strengthen our spirits to hear your call to stand up for justice and break open visions of the kindom among us here and now. God of blessings, hear our prayer. We pray for those who are suffering. Comfort those who mourn, who have lost the ones they love, who have been forced to give up on the future they hoped would be, who grieve frayed relationships. Clothe them with your love and fill them with your hope. Set your healing hand upon those whose bodies ache, whose minds cannot find peace, who are awaiting hard diagnoses. Wrap them in your strong arms and fill them with your shalom. God of blessings, hear our prayer. We pray for those who are hungry, in body and spirit. For those whose tables are bare, whose stomachs growl, and whose bodies hunger for warmth, give shelter. Lead them to places of plenty. Teach those who have much to share without fear until all are fed and nourished. For those who hunger for justice, send your spirit. Give us a holy imagination to dream about what could be and the courage to make this world more like you want it to be for us. God of blessings, hear our prayer. We pray for peace, in our homes, in our communities, in our country, and in our world. Wrest the weapons of war out of our hands and silence the words that cut and destroy. Fill our leaders with wisdom and mercy. Give them eyes to see each person in their care as you see them, beloved children of God. Make us peacemakers and community builders in every place we go. Fill us with grace and wonder that we might see the beauty of diversity and seek unity instead of uniformity. God of blessings, hear our prayer. Holy God, you are the giver of blessings. Give us eyes to see you at work among us. Move our hands and feet to be a blessing in our community. Open our hearts and mouths to hear your word and speak your truth so all can know of your love. This we ask in the name of Jesus Christ, who taught us to pray boldly, saying, “Our Father…” (Presbyterian Outlook, Rae Watson) Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment (Just print the prayer of Thanksgiving) When someone asks, “How are you?” many of us respond with a simple, “I’m doing well,” or “Good.” But others respond with, “I’m blessed.” Have you heard that? Or said it? In Matthew’s Gospel, the first part of Matthew 5 is known as “the Beatitudes.” Jesus is teaching his followers about what comes from the blessings enumerated in verses 3-12. When someone claims, “I’m blessed,” it’s a declaration and a confirmation of the ways God provides, even for those who are poor, in mourning, or hungering and thirsting for righteousness. When someone says, “I’m blessed,” the recognition holds that even amid persecution or ridicule for following Jesus, there is reason for JOY. Here’s the truth: When we recognize we’re blessed by God, our natural response is to pass along a blessing to others. One way to do that is to share from our financial resources, eagerly supporting the work of this congregation and our outreach ministries. Remember! (Highlight one of your ministries that benefits from strong giving by the congregation.) Each time you give to support this __________, we pass along a blessing for others to receive. Let’s share our gifts, demonstrating our gratitude! Prayer of Thanksgiving Generous God, thank you for the ways you pour out your blessings on each of us, and on your whole creation. Thank you for this opportunity for us to pour out a portion of what we’ve received. Help us find ways to multiply these gifts, that together we might demonstrate your love made visible. AMEN (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Communion Invitation to Communion The earliest followers of Jesus experienced this master teacher in a variety of settings: on a hillside, in a boat, walking the dusty roads of Galilee. No wonder they continued to follow him! We, however, do not have the blessing of walking side by side with Jesus. We don’t see him coming in after a night of prayer, or sitting down for a meal with Mary, Martha and Lazarus. What we DO have is this table – and the remembrance of Jesus sharing a last supper with his followers. We can bring to mind what it is to see Jesus take bread, and pour out a cup of wine before offering these simple elements to all who were at that table. HERE, now, at this table, we do remember. Here, NOW, at this table, we claim Jesus as Savior, and share these symbols of his love with all who will come join the feast. Here, now, at THIS table, we learn once more how Jesus continues to teach in tiny chapels and huge cathedrals. We recognize how Jesus continues to remind us in this sanctuary of the blessings we receive even in the midst of persecution, even when being a peacemaker calls us into danger. So come to this table, all who are weary and heavy-laden, for here you will find strength, here you will find a blessing to carry with you. (Disciples of Christ Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for YouTube Friends, we cannot stay here. There is work to be done out there. Go, be the church in the world. Love boldly. Speak bravely. Build the kindom here and now. May the love of God, the grace of Jesus Christ, and the communion of the Holy Spirit uplift and uphold you now and forever. Amen. (Presbyterian Outlook, Rae Watson) Community Time Joys and Concerns Benediction The Good, as we depart this place but not Your Presence, help us to remember that your goodness is running after us. As it gains on us, may we run on and share it with others up ahead. Amen. (United Church of Christ, Tena T Nock) Additional Illustrations Do justice. Love kindness. A humble walk with God. Sounds very much like the answer to WWJD - What would Jesus do? In fact, it is in Jesus that we see what justice and loving-kindness look like in a walk with God. WWJD. Jesus is still looking for followers. Not admirers, followers. So the correct question for you and me is WWJHMD? What would Jesus have ME do? How is this for a summary? Enter Micah: "He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the LORD require of you but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God." No, Micah's nation was not what it should have been in regard to chesed. How could one say that offenders were treated kindly when the judges had been bribed to render unfair verdicts? What kindness was displayed when shady deals deprived people of their houses and land? What kindness was evident when the people who were suffering the most - the poor - were systematically ignored?

What Does the Lord Require of Us? (repreach 1/27/17)

January 29, 2023 Micah 6:1-8 What does the Lord require of us? 4th Sunday after Epiphany Year A Prelude Gathering Words (Micah 6, Matthew 5, 1 Corinthians 1) Come and hear the good news. No matter what is happening in your life, God’s blessing and love is with you. Come and hear what God wants you to do: live lives of justice and love and truth. Come and get courage and strength to be fools for Christ, embracing Kingdom values rather than those of the world. We’re here, ready to listen, open to change, expecting to be blessed by our time together. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Joanne Carlson Brown) Unison Opening Prayer (Micah 6, Psalm 15, Matthew 5, 1 Corinthians 1) Loving God, we come this morning seeking to abide in your presence. Open our minds to your spirit of wisdom, that we may know how to live as your people. Open our hearts to your spirit of truth, that we may love all your people with a love that speaks of justice, kindness, and radical grace. May this time of worship be authentic and pleasing to you. Amen. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Joanne Carlson Brown) Song What Does the Lord Require of You TFWS 2174 Children’s Sermon Have three paper circles for each child. One should have “act justly” written on it; one should have “Love Kindness”, and the third should say “Walk Humbly with God.” There should be one set for each child. See directions at the end of the sermon. A man named “Micah” lived a long time ago; hundreds of years even before Jesus was born. Micah was one of the great prophets of Israel. A prophet is a person who loves God and sees clearly the times when the people do not follow God. Sometimes a prophet has to warn the people to stop what they are doing. Micah was a prophet. Sometimes prophets helped the people understand God. That is what Micah is doing today. He is helping the people understand what God wants them to do. In those ancient times, God’s people would bring certain things to the priests of Israel as gifts or “offerings” to God. Sometimes they brought wheat or barley or some other grain as a thank you to God for all the good things God had given them. Sometimes they brought sheep or bulls when the people wanted to tell God that they were sorry for something they had done. In today’s reading, the people are asking Micah how much is enough. If one basket of barley is good, would bringing two be better? Micah tells the people what God has said. God says that he doesn’t want any grain or sheep or bulls or anything like that. After all, God owns the whole world. God doesn’t need anything. Well, now the people were confused. What did God want from them? Micah gives the people God’s word. First, God wants them to be just; to act justly. Does anyone know what being just means? [Accept all answers.] Being just means being fair to everyone; using the same rules for everyone. At one time in our own country, there were places where some grown ups only had to sign their names and then they could vote for new leaders. But other people whose skin was a different color, had to read a lot of pages and take a test before they could vote. That was not just. They were using different rules for different people. How would you feel if you went to a friend’s house to play a game, but your friend made a rule that he would win if he got 10 points, but you couldn’t win unless you got 100 points? [Accept all answers]. You would be angry because something deep inside you is telling you that it’s not fair. It is not just. The first thing God wants from us is to treat every person fairly. Is that a good demand from God? I think so, too. The second thing God wants from us is for us to “love mercy”. Who can tell me what mercy is? [Thank the children for their answers]. When was a time you were merciful to some one? How about when someone was merciful to you. [Accept their answers]. God wants us to always be looking for the kind thing we can do––not just when someone is watching us but always. God wants us to love doing kind things. The third thing is to stay close to God. Remember every morning that God is with you, loving you. Remember that you belong to God. AND says God, remember also that you are not God. You and I don’t get to make the rules. We follow God’s rules. We don’t get to judge whom God loves or doesn’t love. That’s not our job. We don’t get to decide who deserves help and who doesn’t. God wants everyone to be treated kindly. The word “humble” means remembering that we are not God and we are no better than anyone else. That’s what God wants and everyone in this room should memorize these things: Act justly, love mercy, walk humbly with God. Let’s have everyone say these words after me, grown ups and teens, too. [Congregation repeats after each phrase]: “Act justly” …… “Love mercy”…….”Walk humbly with God”…… Scripture quotations from the World English Bible Copyright 2012, Richard Niell Donovan By Carol Miller Prayer for Transformation and New Life Holy Wisdom, you have expressed your hope for us and vision for life abundantly. Many times we settle for a temporary truce over real peace. We avoid confrontation and accountability that builds up and creates a more just world. We refuse to relentlessly pursue your will when discomforted by the cost of discipleship. Forgive us, O God, we pray. Words of Grace Receive the good news that each day presents a new opportunity to follow the way of Jesus–to do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. The grace of the Holy One meets us. God embraces and supports us in the turning and will be faithful to strengthen us on the path of righteousness. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay) Welcoming New Members UMH 33 Scripture Micah 6:1-8 Sermon What does the Lord Require of Us? Remember law and order – I used to watch that show religiously for years. And to take it back even further, my grandmother never missed an episode of Perry Mason. We seem to be fascinated with shows about the courtroom. Imagine an episode where the lawyer walks in with the accuser and they take their seat. Then the jury walks in the listen to the case and determine guilt. The court reporter is there and ready to record all of the procedings. You wait patiently to see who is on trial in this courtroom. And you are surprised to find that the deputy is leading you to the front of the room. You are on trial. The lawyer is a young prophet named Micah, the accuser – God himself. The jury – the mountains, the hills, God’s creation. But what did I do you ask. God is suing you – a faithful Christian – for get this – forgetting your faith. Not being faithful to God. But the lawyer has prepared his case and is prepared to find you guilty. First he presents how God has been faithful to you. He reminds you that you would be no where without the help of God. Every step in your life, is a step that God has taken with you. Nothing that you have, belongs to you – it all belongs to God. Everything that you have, every things that you have done is a gift from God. If it was not for God – where would you be today? As you realize that the lawyer is right – God has always remembered you, but you are slacking off in remembering God. You are a good church goer, so what can you do to make it right? Should you light a candle? Or say a special prayer? Or spend 2 hours helping at the food pantry, or even be willing to sing solo on a special song. Or I know – put an extra offering in the plate. And just like in a famous Perry mason episode - the–prosecuter stands up and comes out to speak before the entire courttoom. What does the Lord require of you? Is the Lord impressed with your prayers, your special duties or even the amount of money that you put in the offering plate. None of that matters. God just wants 3 things. Just do three things, Israel: mishpat, hesed, and hasnea (Micah 6:8) Mishpat, hesed and hasnea? What does that mean? Those are the Hebrew words for justice, mercy and to walk humbly with God. Do justice, have mercy and to walk humble with God. To break it down even further. Justice is the call to moral excellence. Justice is what we do not just for one person but for all people. It is how we live out our faith in public. I don’t want to dwell on it one way or another way – but we as faithful Christians are in the midst of a justice challenge. If muslims are not welcome in this country, who will they come for next? If immigrants are not welcome in this country then who is? How do we react to this present issue? Whose side are we on? What does it have to do with us? What does God expect of us, God’s faithful people in his situation? There was a man who watched high level government officials doing the wrong thing. He told on them. The officials were fired, but the man and his family was ostracized in the community. Reporters asked the man if it was worth it to tell what he saw. I did what God expected me to do he replied. What does the Lord expect of you? The second requirement of God is Hesed, or mercy. Mercy is accountable kindness. Kindness with a sense of understanding of the other persons situation. A school teacher by the name of Miss Thompson found it difficult to like one of her students. His name was Teddy Stallard and he was not interested in school, school work, or anything connected to school. His attitude was so disagreeable that Miss Thompson almost found herself enjoying the Fs she wrote on his papers. Miss Thompson knew Teddy’s background. His school records indicated that in the first grade he had shown some promise. In the second grade, his mother fell seriously ill and Teddy was tabbed a slow learner. In the fourth grade he was far behind and his teacher noted that his father had no interest in Teddy’s progress. Christmas time came and the boys and girls in Miss Thompson’s room brought her some gifts. To her surprise, there was a very crudely wrapped present from Teddy. Opening the package, she discovered a gaudy rhinestone bracelet and a bottle of cheap perfume. Sensing that the other children were beginning to smirk and giggle at the gift, Miss Thompson put the bracelet on and opened the perfume. She put some perfume on her wrist and invited the children to smell by saying, "Doesn’t the perfume smell lovely?" "Isn’t the bracelet beautiful?" Taking their cue from Miss Thompson’s kindness, the children responded with "oohs" and "aahs." At the end of the school day, little Teddy went to Miss Thompson’s desk and said: "Miss Thompson ... Miss Thompson, you smell just like my mother ... and her bracelet looks real pretty on you, too. I’m glad you like my presents." From that day forward, Miss Thompson began to show more kindness toward that little boy. And that little boy began to improve - both in grades and attitude. Many years later, Miss Thompson received a letter from Teddy telling her that he was graduating from high school - second in his class. Four years later, she received another letter from Teddy telling her that he was graduating from college first in his class. And four more years later, there was another letter to inform her that this young fellow who had given her a gaudy bracelet and a bottle of cheap perfume was now Theodore Stallard, M.D. Also, he was getting married and his father was now dead, too. Would Miss Thompson be willing to sit where his mother would sit for the wedding if she were alive? "You’re all the family I have left now," wrote Teddy. Miss Thompson sat proudly where Teddy’s mother would have sat for that wedding. That moment of kindness many years before had brought out the best in that young boy. Kindness may cost you something in time ... money ... in pride. But, kindness is what God expects you to show to other people. As Micah phrased it so poignantly: ... and what does the Lord require of you but ... to love kindness...? The last requirement is Hapnea – that is the hardest requirement of all- hard because it is two requirements in one. First to be humble – second to walk humbly with God. Christian humility is not cowardice. It is not a summons to be a doormat. Rather it is an invitation to work behind the scenes in an enterprise greater than any of us could ever accomplish on our own; it is an invitation to appreciate the simple blessings in life; and it is an invitation to trust God whose strength will never fail. It is being reminded that without God we are nothing, we have nothing, we could do nothing. It is not us, it is God’s light in us that makes a difference. So we have to put God first. We have to do what God would do in this situation. The Ancient Isrealites would have enjoyed Perry Mason just as much as we would. They thought that all of life was a courtroom drama. Micah was a young adult holding his community accountable for their relationship with God. He was asking everyone to remember - WWJD – what would Jesus Do. Where is the presence of God in everything that I face in my life. In order for us to do what God expects of us, we have to first be willing to walk humbly with God. To honor God in all that we do and to make sure that God is honored in who we are. To live in quiet fellowship of God. And after laying out the evidence and giving the order – the defense rest its case. It has said all that needs to be said. SERMON ILLUSTRATION Paul Simon: What God Requires In a Rolling Stone interview, musician Paul Simon offers his thoughts on what God requires of us: The only thing that God requires from us is to enjoy life—and love. It doesn't matter if you accomplish anything. You don't have to do anything but appreciate that you're alive. And love, that's the whole point. In contrast, Micah, the Old Testament prophet wrote, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Anthony DeCurtis, Rolling Stone (02-01-01), p. 50; submitted by David A. Slagle, Lawrenceville, Georgia I think that Paul Simon makes an important point. God call us into court – not to punish us but to love us. God lays out his requirements – not to punish us – but to help us to see clearly. God does not want us to be uptight – but to be happy, relaxed, and comfortable. God wants what is best for us – and the only way to do that is to do what the Lord required – Mishpat, hesed, hasnea. Do justice, show kindess, and to walk humbly with our God. Is it really that hard? Let us pray….. Amen Song Be Thou My Vision UMH 451 Pastoral Prayer A Prayer of Lament for Tyre Nichols and A Call for an End to Police Brutality God of Love and Justice, We cry out to you in anger, pain, grief, and desperation as we remember your beloved son Tyre Nichols, murdered by police officers in the city of Memphis. We strive to understand the stress which all such officers experience as they work to serve and protect their communities. We mourn for the mother of Tyre Nichols, who he called for as he was brutally beaten after a traffic stop. We mourn for his four-year-old son, who has been denied a life with his father. Pour out your spirit of peace and comfort over all who grieve his death, trusting that You who know what it is to lose a son stand in solidarity with them. Almighty God, we give you thanks for the protesters and advocates calling for an end to the sin of police brutality. Protect them and give them your strength. This is not the world that you desire for us, and we cannot passively shake our heads at the news as we move on to the next prayer. We condemn the systemic evil of white supremacy, a force so strong that it works within institutions through people of any race. We decry the way police violence has been normalized, knowing there is pain for oppressor and oppressed. You created each and every person good, in Your image. Call us again to live up to Your dreams for us. Empower us with Your righteous anger, moral courage, and holy strength to change racist and violent systems that cause harm to Your beloved Black children, and to all of us. Let the reactions of our communities move from "thoughts and prayers are not enough" to "thank God the church turned their prayers into action and transformed the world." Even in our lament, we are people of hope. Amen. Lord’s Prayer Stewardship Moment Moment for Stewardship Paul, writing to the church in Corinth, clearly identifies the believers’ call as a call directed to those who were not powerful, wise or strong. Rather, the people in that congregation might be a lot like we are! We have no basis on which to boast except to boast in the Lord. When we face ourselves in a mirror, we recognize God is the source of all we have and all we know. We are God’s beloved creatures, and have been given the honor of serving as stewards (managers) of this world and all that is within it. Once we recognize ourselves as stewards, then we instinctively know we’re responsible for the best use of all the resources we’ve been given. We have this moment in worship to offer back a portion of what we’ve been given. What will you offer? Because it all belongs to God, perhaps you’re ready to offer your time. Because God has endowed you with particular talents, perhaps this is the day to offer some of your talent. Because God makes financial resources a symbol of your life, surely this is your moment to offer financial support for the use of this congregation. As you prepare your offering, may you find joy in boasting in the God who has given you time, talent and treasure. What a mighty God we serve! Prayer of Thanksgiving God, you are mighty! We pray you will accept our boasting in you, and receive these gifts, freely offered. Help us cheerfully give, and fill us with clarity about how we can best use these gifts to expand your Kin-dom on earth, as it is in heaven. AMEN (Disciples of Christ, Center for Faith and Giving) Announcements Closing Prayer for Facebook (Micah 6, Psalm 15, Matthew 5) Those who live lives pleasing to God shall not be moved. Go now to embrace the kingdom values— values of love, justice, and truth. Go now with God’s blessing, to live those values through the power of our challenging, faithful, loving, empowering God. Amen. (United Methodist Ministry Matters, Joanne Carlson Brown) Community Time Benediction As you go in the world, hold the blessings of peace. Be the good news to a world shrouded in brokenness, pain, and despair. Show the world the kindom that lives in you. Do justice, love kindness, and walk humbly with God. (United Church of Christ Worship Ways, Rev. Dr. Cheryl Lindsay) Additional Illustrations

What do I need to do?

January 29, 2017 Micah 6:1-8 Remember law and order – I used to watch that show religiously for years. And to take it back even further, my grandmother never missed an episode of Perry Mason. We seem to be fascinated with shows about the courtroom. Imagine an episode where the lawyer walks in with the accuser and they take their seat. Then the jury walks in the listen to the case and determine guilt. The court reporter is there and ready to record all of the procedings. You wait patiently to see who is on trial in this courtroom. And you are surprised to find that the deputy is leading you to the front of the room. You are on trial. The lawyer is a young prophet named Micah, the accuser – God himself. The jury – the mountains, the hills, God’s creation. But what did I do you ask. God is suing you – a faithful Christian – for get this – forgetting your faith. Not being faithful to God. But the lawyer has prepared his case and is prepared to find you guilty. First he presents how God has been faithful to you. He reminds you that you would be no where without the help of God. Every step in your life, is a step that God has taken with you. Nothing that you have, belongs to you – it all belongs to God. Everything that you have, every things that you have done is a gift from God. If it was not for God – where would you be today? As you realize that the lawyer is right – God has always remembered you, but you are slacking off in remembering God. You are a good church goer, so what can you do to make it right? Should you light a candle? Or say a special prayer? Or spend 2 hours helping at the food pantry, or even be willing to sing solo on a special song. Or I know – put an extra offering in the plate. And just like in a famous Perry mason episode - the–prosecuter stands up and comes out to speak before the entire courttoom. What does the Lord require of you? Is the Lord impressed with your prayers, your special duties or even the amount of money that you put in the offering plate. None of that matters. God just wants 3 things. Just do three things, Israel: mishpat, hesed, and hasnea (Micah 6:8) Mishpat, hesed and hasnea? What does that mean? Those are the Hebrew words for justice, mercy and to walk humbly with God. Do justice, have mercy and to walk humble with God. To break it down even further. Justice is the call to moral excellence. Justice is what we do not just for one person but for all people. It is how we live out our faith in public. I don’t want to dwell on it one way or another way – but we as faithful Christians are in the midst of a justice challenge. If muslims are not welcome in this country, who will they come for next? If immigrants are not welcome in this country then who is? How do we react to this present issue? Whose side are we on? What does it have to do with us? What does God expect of us, God’s faithful people in his situation? There was a man who watched high level government officials doing the wrong thing. He told on them. The officials were fired, but the man and his family was ostracized in the community. Reporters asked the man if it was worth it to tell what he saw. I did what God expected me to do he replied. What does the Lord expect of you? The second requirement of God is Hesed, or mercy. Mercy is accountable kindness. Kindness with a sense of understanding of the other persons situation. A school teacher by the name of Miss Thompson found it difficult to like one of her students. His name was Teddy Stallard and he was not interested in school, school work, or anything connected to school. His attitude was so disagreeable that Miss Thompson almost found herself enjoying the Fs she wrote on his papers. Miss Thompson knew Teddy’s background. His school records indicated that in the first grade he had shown some promise. In the second grade, his mother fell seriously ill and Teddy was tabbed a slow learner. In the fourth grade he was far behind and his teacher noted that his father had no interest in Teddy’s progress. Christmas time came and the boys and girls in Miss Thompson’s room brought her some gifts. To her surprise, there was a very crudely wrapped present from Teddy. Opening the package, she discovered a gaudy rhinestone bracelet and a bottle of cheap perfume. Sensing that the other children were beginning to smirk and giggle at the gift, Miss Thompson put the bracelet on and opened the perfume. She put some perfume on her wrist and invited the children to smell by saying, "Doesn’t the perfume smell lovely?" "Isn’t the bracelet beautiful?" Taking their cue from Miss Thompson’s kindness, the children responded with "oohs" and "aahs." At the end of the school day, little Teddy went to Miss Thompson’s desk and said: "Miss Thompson ... Miss Thompson, you smell just like my mother ... and her bracelet looks real pretty on you, too. I’m glad you like my presents." From that day forward, Miss Thompson began to show more kindness toward that little boy. And that little boy began to improve - both in grades and attitude. Many years later, Miss Thompson received a letter from Teddy telling her that he was graduating from high school - second in his class. Four years later, she received another letter from Teddy telling her that he was graduating from college first in his class. And four more years later, there was another letter to inform her that this young fellow who had given her a gaudy bracelet and a bottle of cheap perfume was now Theodore Stallard, M.D. Also, he was getting married and his father was now dead, too. Would Miss Thompson be willing to sit where his mother would sit for the wedding if she were alive? "You’re all the family I have left now," wrote Teddy. Miss Thompson sat proudly where Teddy’s mother would have sat for that wedding. That moment of kindness many years before had brought out the best in that young boy. Kindness may cost you something in time ... money ... in pride. But, kindness is what God expects you to show to other people. As Micah phrased it so poignantly: ... and what does the Lord require of you but ... to love kindness...? The last requirement is Hapnea – that is the hardest requirement of all- hard because it is two requirements in one. First to be humble – second to walk humbly with God. Christian humility is not cowardice. It is not a summons to be a doormat. Rather it is an invitation to work behind the scenes in an enterprise greater than any of us could ever accomplish on our own; it is an invitation to appreciate the simple blessings in life; and it is an invitation to trust God whose strength will never fail. It is being reminded that without God we are nothing, we have nothing, we could do nothing. It is not us, it is God’s light in us that makes a difference. So we have to put God first. We have to do what God would do in this situation. The Ancient Isrealites would have enjoyed Perry Mason just as much as we would. They thought that all of life was a courtroom drama. Micah was a young adult holding his community accountable for their relationship with God. He was asking everyone to remember - WWJD – what would Jesus Do. Where is the presence of God in everything that I face in my life. In order for us to do what God expects of us, we have to first be willing to walk humbly with God. To honor God in all that we do and to make sure that God is honored in who we are. To live in quiet fellowship of God. And after laying out the evidence and giving the order – the defense rest its case. It has said all that needs to be said. SERMON ILLUSTRATION Paul Simon: What God Requires In a Rolling Stone interview, musician Paul Simon offers his thoughts on what God requires of us: The only thing that God requires from us is to enjoy life—and love. It doesn't matter if you accomplish anything. You don't have to do anything but appreciate that you're alive. And love, that's the whole point. In contrast, Micah, the Old Testament prophet wrote, "And what does the Lord require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God." Anthony DeCurtis, Rolling Stone (02-01-01), p. 50; submitted by David A. Slagle, Lawrenceville, Georgia I think that Paul Simon makes an important point. God call us into court – not to punish us but to love us. God lays out his requirements – not to punish us – but to help us to see clearly. God does not want us to be uptight – but to be happy, relaxed, and comfortable. God wants what is best for us – and the only way to do that is to do what the Lord required – Mishpat, hesed, hasnea. Do justice, show kindess, and to walk humbly with our God. Is it really that hard? Let us pray….. Amen Children’s Sermon…. Exegetical Aim: Happiness comes from a life emptied and humble before God and not from a life full and easy. Props: Several dollar bills or a hand full of coins, a toy that laughs, some kind of food, and a toy sword like a light saber or any object to represent conflict. Also a box or big glass jar. Optional humorous prop: A football or some sports object that is presently in season. If there is a crucial local game then focus on that. Try to hide the sports object. Lesson: I have a question for you this morning: What makes you happy? (responses) With the items hidden behind your back and the jar out in front: Well, I have some things I want to show you. After each item is presented put it in the jar. What is this? (money) Would you be happy if you had this money? (response) Why would that make you happy? What would you do with it? (response) What is this? (laughing object) Listen to this. Make the object laugh. What is it doing? (laughing) Would you be happy if you laughed all the time? (response) Why would that make you happy? (response) What is this? (apple) Would you be happy if you had some food? (response) Why would you be happy? (response) What is this? (boxing gloves) Would you be happy if you had a gun (response) Why would you be happy? (response) This morning I brought something that makes me very happy. Do you want to see it? (response) Do you really want to see it? (response) All right, this makes me so happy! Bring out the football hold it up or toss it air. When Tennessee wins today I am going to be happy! Application: Each of us has something in our life that makes us happy. What makes you happy? (response) It could be chocolate chip cookies or a special toy or a pet. Happiness is pretty important. Jesus even talked about happiness. He said the truly happy people in the world are those who...take out the money...are those who don't have a lot of money. Fold the money and put it away. Then he said, the happiest people in the world are those who take out the laughing object and make it laugh again have some sadness in their life. He also said, the happiest people are those who take out the food are sometimes hungry and have nothing to eat. And he said, the happiest people are those who take out the gun...try to have peace in their life. Finally he said take out the football well, he really didn't say anything about football. But he did say that we could be happy if we remember that true happiness comes when we have a life that is empty. Show that the jar or box is empty. A life that is emp is a life that is ready to be filled with all the good things God wants to put there: His Kingdom, his peace, love, forgiveness, and comfort. Let’s Pray: Lord help us to understand just how empty we are and how much we need you to fill us. Amen. Additional illustrations……. ChristianGlobe, , by Brett Blair SERMON ILLUSTRATION Cornel West on Justice Justice is what love looks like in public. —Cornel West, U.S. professor and scholar (1956—) Cornel West, unknown; submitted by Kevin Miller, executive vice president, Christianity Today International [ read less ] SERMON ILLUSTRATION Søren Kierkegaard on the Difference Between Admirers and Followers If you have any knowledge at all of human nature, you know that those who only admire the truth will, when danger appears, become traitors. The admirer ... Søren Kierkegaard, unknown; submitted by Bill White, Paramount, California [ read less ] SERMON ILLUSTRATION Søren Kierkegaard on the Difference Between Admirers and Followers If you have any knowledge at all of human nature, you know that those who only admire the truth will, when danger appears, become traitors. The admirer is infatuated with the false security of greatness; but if there is any inconvenience or trouble, he pulls back. Admiring the truth, instead of following it, is just as dubious a fire as the fire of erotic love, which at the turn of the hand can be changed into exactly the opposite—to hate, jealousy, and revenge. Christ, however, never asked for admirers, worshipers, or adherents. He consistently spoke of "followers" and "disciples." —Søren Kierkegaard, Danish philosopher and theologian (1813–1855) Søren Kierkegaard, unknown; submitted by Bill White, Paramount, California [ read less ]

Boast in the Lord

1 Cornthians 1:18-31 Micah 6:1-8 Year A 4th Sunday of Epiphany January 30, 2011 Today I want to start exactly where we left off last week. If you look in Corinthians – our scripture does the same thing. “For the message about the cross is foolishness to those who are perishing, but to us who are being saved it is the power of God.” Christianity is the only religion that celebrates the death of its leader. The jews would be appalled for the messiah to die on the cross. Muslim scripture denies the death of Christ, Hindus explain death away, and say that it did not really happen. 3/4th of the scripture of the new testament go into detail about Christ dying on the cross and what it means to those who are faithful to that event. For the world – the story of the cross s foolishness, but for those of us who are being saved – it is the story of our salvation. The cross is one of the simplest symbols in the world. A vertical line and a horizontal line. It is easier for a child to draw a cross then it is to draw a circle. Some say that the cross is a symbol of life, of the intersection between the holy and the world. It has been a symbol of God for times even before Christianity. But what does it really mean? Paul would say that it depends on who you are talking to. For the romans the cross was a symbol of shame. A form of death reserved for only the vialiest and most resented criminals. Intended to be a form of torture on a symbol of shame. For us, hopefully it is the exact opposite. It is the place where Christ lost his life, so that we could have ours. It is the place where Christ went to suffer on our behalf, so that we could be free tolive and enjoy salvation. It is the place where Christ conquered shame and hatred, and death so that we could have life. A writer tells of the time he was traveling – and went to a mcdonalds. He noticed that the server had on a beautiful cross. He complimented her – she said thank you- but told him that it was not the cross that was important. It was the man who died on it for her. The man who rose from the grave to wash away her sins and give her life. For this man, and all who saw her cross, she became a living testimony of what God can do in all of our lives. The cross was her wisdom. Paul’s lesson for us today is the difference between foolishness and wisdom. As a community called out and blessed by God, what do we consider wisdom and what do we consider foolishness. The congregation at Corinth was a young congregation, finding it identity, its mission and purpose. Fully dependent on the gifts that God had given them to work with. This was also a congregation of learned people. People who valued education, who kept up with current events, who knew and understood all of the latest philosophies of the day. And who unfortunately did not have a problem letting other people know how much they valued the world of ideas. Paul had to remind them that education and high ideals were great. And yet that was not the gospel of Jesus Christ. Jesus is not concerned about how smart we are- whether it be street knowledge or book knowledge. Jesus cares about the condition of our hearts. That may be foolishness to the rest of the world, but for us it is the power of our salvation. A man worked as a case manager in a very poor neighborhood. He did not make a lot of money, but enough to take care of himself. He drove a pretty modest car, but at least it was paid for. It was a little old and in need of repair. Some costly repairs as a matter of fact. Repairs that he could not afford. Since he could not drive his car to work – his brother gave him a brand new Jaguar, complete with gold rims. In actuality, probably not the kind of car that you would drive to work everyday if you worked in Englewood. One day, he had to make a home visit. When he parked his car, he noticed a young boy on crutches on the stoop next door. On the man’s way out, the little boy struck a conversation with him. That’s a really nice car. Thank you said the man. Did you buy it? No it was a gift from my brother. Your brother just gave you that car? Yes, I am really blessed, my brother gave me this car. Wow – said the little boy – I wish I could be a brother like that. We would expect this boy to say that he wished that he had a brother like that, I know I wish I had a brother like that, even though I don’t know if I would want the car – insurance on the car that I have doubled the closer moved to Chicago. At one point my insurance payment was half as much as my car payment. But anyway…. The point being – our ways are not God’s ways. The values of common sense are just the opposite of God;s values. When we want to care about the kindness that others give to us, God ask us to care about the kindness that we can give to others. Paul says that God chose what is foolish in the world to shame the wise. He does that so that if we chose to brag, then we need to brag on the things of God, not on ourselves and our own knowledge. Things that stand in the way of us living out our mission and purpose in Christ……forgetting that the source of all of our blessings is the grace of God, not our own work. And that God blesses us to be a blessing to others. If you are going to brag about anything that you have, including knowledge brag in the Lord, not in yourself. We can be grateful that we are called out – and in the community of the righteous. And God shows time and time again that God is always on the side of the righteous. God calls us always to be the righteous in the world. Micah is God’s lawsuit against his people. Scripture never really says what they did wrong. But you can imagine. They forgot who they were. They forgot they were the righteous of God. They got caught up in their own understanding. They forgot to boast in the lord. God gives the people a summons to court – and I love it- he tells them to plead their case to the mountains and the hills. Nature has never done wrong by God, it serves as a fair judge of our behavior, right or wrong. Another powerful message of the text that god doesn’t need your sacrifices, your offerings, or even your first born child. If you give all of that and you forgive to give you heart- it really doesn’t matter. John was tall for his age. Even in grade school, he towered over his classmates by three or four inches. He was also clever and excelled in his school work. John loved to read, and numbers fitted themselves together in his head without him really thinking about them, so he was good at both Maths and English. Everybody adored John. His teachers were delighted to have someone so talented at school, who would boost the school's SATS results. His classmates loved him too. He was fun to be with, and when they were all stuck for an answer during lessons, John could be relied upon to save the day. And John's Mum and Dad were very proud of John. He was clever enough to go into any job he wanted when he grew up and he would be certain to make lots of money. Jane struggled. She was a little on the plump side and she hated sports, which always made her puff and pant. She was dyslexic, so she struggled in class, too. The words on her page refused to stand still when she looked at them and when they danced all over the page, she couldn't understand what they said. Reading was a huge effort, but Jane persevered and struggled on. Mostly Jane kept herself in the background. She was content with her own company but very willing to listen to other people if they wanted to talk. Sometimes she'd spot children who were unhappy, and wander over just to talk to them and gradually people would drift in her direction if they needed someone to listen to their woes. Jane wasn't a very exciting person. Her parents loved her dearly, but they feared for her future. What sort of a job would she get when her reading was so poor and all she could do was to help other people? She would never make any money. When John grew up he became the owner of a string of shops. He became a famous businessman who was always invited to exotic parties and he lived in a huge house with its own gym and swimming pool which he used to keep himself fit. He moored his boat in the channel at the bottom of his garden and often used his boat to spend time away from all the stress of his life. When Jane grew up she became a Carer. She used to go into other people's homes when they were so old or so sick that they couldn't manage by themselves. Jane would help them to get out of bed or to dress or she would cook a meal for them. It wasn't a very well paid job and Jane never earned enough to buy a house of her own, but she was happy in her work. She liked being with other people and she enjoyed caring for them. And she had a nice little flat which the Council provided at a rent she could just about afford. When both Jane and John saw news of terrible flooding in one of the very poor countries of the world, neither of them hesitated. John immediately fished out his cheque book and wrote a cheque for £50,000 for the relief fund. Jane went along to the relief fund's headquarters and offered her services. She was put to work sorting through old clothes which people had given. It was a boring and backbreaking job, but Jane worked with a will, because she knew that her efforts would help that poor country. Later, John received a medal for his efforts and became Sir John. Jane received nothing for her efforts but she was happy, for she knew she was especially blessed by God. Which Had God’s favor- they both did. Which was a righteous person? They both were. The real Question is how is our relationship with God. God asks the people - what have I done to you that you have walked away from me? That you forget what you are supposed to do and how you are supposed to live. What does the lord require of you? Sacrifice, or a righteous heart. The Lord requires of us to do justice, love kindness and to walk humbly with God. Mishput, hesed, and halak. The qualities of God- that God asks for us to live out in our lives. Justice, kindness and humble faithfulness are not just things that we do, it is not just who we are, not just how we live. But church it is also the environment that we create around us, in the sanctuary and without it. It is what we demand of ourselves and of everyone around us. It is what we defend and what we we give. It is our way to the cross, and beyond….. Let us pray…..