Dear Readers and Listeners, Friends in Jesus Christ,
Our watchword is taken from the Book of Micah, Chapter 2 verse 1, “Woe to those who plan iniquity, because it is in their power to do it,” (NRSVB). The prophet Micah was a contemporary of Isaiah and a citizen of Judah. He saw the demise of the Kingdom of Israel at the fall of Samaria, as well as their becoming a province of the Assyrian Kingdom, He warned the southern Kingdom, Judah, to return to righteous living before a similar situation would arise in the Kingdom of Judah. The political and religious leaders took no heed of Micah’s prophecies and continued to live in relative splendour, despite the wars around them. Micah warned against the false prophets who call on him not to preach his messages of woe, they who teach the people that they can continue to live their lives in opposition to the laws that God had taught them. He warned that the powerful rulers and people who deceive their own and use their positions to defraud and oppress their subjects would not be allowed to continue practice these wrongs. God will not allow the false leaders and prophets to continue to lead the people astray and extract all kinds of taxes and tributes from them. Those who abuse their power will be brought to account and receive their punishment.
In these times where we find ourselves, in a world full of deceit and lies, false promises and corruption, we can identify with the prophet Micah and also call out, “Woe is me!” We have seen the unfolding of so many stories of corruption and violence in our own society. We yearn for a time when we will experience that the kingdoms of the world and their rulers act in the best interest of their subjects and are willing to serve their subjects to ensure that all is treated fairly, receiving the necessary help and aide from the governments of the world. We know that the world is full of riches and that there is more than enough to go around to feed and clothe all and still have abundance. We question how the world has become a place where the vulnerable people are exploited and those in need are marginalized.
Jesus spoke to his followers and told them, “You know that the rulers of the gentiles lord it over them, and their great ones are tyrants over them. It will not be so among you: but whoever wishes to be great among you must be your servant,” (Matthew Chapter 20 verses 25 to 26). Jesus explained that he came to serve and not to be served. He came to seek and find the lost. Jesus took the apron and wrapped it around him and served his disciples, like a servant, washing their feet, before the last meal he had with them. He encouraged them not the be ashamed to serve, as a servant does, but to do it with love and humility. Jesus taught his disciples to respect and treat each other with honest integrity, acting towards each other with love and understanding, assigning value to the neighbour by regarding all those around with esteem. For those who want to enter the kingdom of God must become like a child, someone who is prepared to be taught, who is able to trust and respond with childlike humility and enthusiasm without being fearful. The loving child, is the child who obeys the wishes of the father with joy, not considering it as dutiful service, but loving worship. Because Jesus came to serve, and served up until his last breath, we have the example our Lord, the serving Saviour. Let us serve our brother and sister, let us be like Christ to them. We are his hands here on earth, serving him, as we shine his light and love in this dark world.
We might not be able to stop those who are corrupt, or break the stronghold of the oppressors, but we have the power to show the love of Jesus by serving those who are unable to help themselves, those who are in need of love and care, those who are struggling and finding the world a hostile and inhumane place. We have received grace and faith to followed the example of our Lord, and to use our words and deeds in the service of helping our neighbour.
Father, you have loved us first and through your love you have served us, and brought us into the light of your love. Help us to serve our neighbours with love and in humility, Amen.