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MEDITATION:

Written by Mary Ann Whittier (Johansen)

Recently Pastor Jack reminded us that Jesus personified the prophecy of Micah 6:8. He has showed you, O man, 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 ?”  I remember Jimmy Carter using this verse at his inauguration as President. Troubled by current culture preaching “racial justice” and “demand justice,”  I decided to look more closely at this scripture. The footnotes in my RSV Harper Study Bible reminded me that this is not God’s only requirement. Some Jews of Micah’s era adopted those principles of a virtuous life, but their faith was empty and hypocritical.

 Looking to the King James translation, as I am not a scholar of Hebrew or Greek, I found Micah urging us to “act justly” or “do justly,” rather than to just “do justice.”  To me, this verb, act, is crucial to personal behavior that Jesus taught us. When justice becomes a political committee, one loses sight of mercy. Mercy is the word translators at the time of King James used instead of Kindness.  Mercy is what God extends to us; it’s nice to be kind but in the reality of injustice, mercy is an excellent antidote.

To walk humbly with thy God or your God shows a sense of a drift in the English language but that King James also replaces man with mortal.  That is an excellent reminder that there is a God and it’s not me or you.  The prophet Micah reminds us that words can be preempted.  Please don’t “do justice” but “act justly.”  

PRAYER:

From the Gregorian Sacramentary, a 10^th century illuminated manuscript ascribed to Gregory 1.

O God, the Protector of all that trust in You, without whom nothing is strong, nothing is holy, increase and multiply upon us Your mercy; that, You being our Ruler and Guide, we may so pass through things temporal that we finally lose not the things eternal. Grant this, O heavenly Father, for Jesus Christ’s sake our Lord. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

God of Mercy and Compassion Performed by Benedictines of Mary, Queen of Apostles.  

This Lenten hymn about God’s mercy was written by English Redemptorist priest Edmund Vaughan (1827-1908) and commonly set to the traditional French tune “Au Sang Qu’un Dieu.”

MEDITATION:

Written by Richard Foster, a contemporary author, and speaker. This is an excerpt from his book “Life With God.”

The quiet power of a life transformed by the grace of God is so explosive that it can redirect the course of human events. Consider the story of John Woolman, a successful tradesman in colonial America who pared down his business in order to live simply and fully in response to the pull of divine Grace upon his life. Raised on a farm in a modest Jersey village, Woolman had an unusually sensitive spirit early in life, keenly attuned to the rhythms of the Divine Spirit. Although he struggled anxiously with the temptations and wantonness of youth, he was constantly aware of “the operations of Divine Love” within his own heart. His spiritual understanding was charged with awareness of God’s tender mercy and love for all living creatures. So perhaps it was no surprise that in his itinerant Quaker ministry, he became a gracious yet tireless and uncompromising advocate for concerns such as the abolition of slavery, just relations with Native Americans, an end to taxation in support of war, and refusal to benefit from consumer goods produced by slave labor and unjust trade practices…It is important to know that Woolman’s convictions about the evils of slavery grew over time, as again and again he was “afflicted in mind” by this debasing treatment of fellow human beings. His Journal indicates that during this time he was spending many hours in prayer and fasting, periods of solitude and silence, meditation upon the Scripture, service, simplicity of lifestyle and speech, worship with others, and outdoor study of God’s tender love for all living creatures. Our story finds John one November evening in 1758, being hosted in the home of Thomas Woodward after preaching powerfully against slavery at a Quaker meeting. Please be aware that at this point Woolman has earned a reputation as a gracious man, not given to sharing his opinions unless he feels divinely compelled to do so. And when he does speak, it is always quietly and respectfully, never confrontationally. Because of his humble and loving manner, he exerts an unusually powerful influence upon others. When John enters the Woodward home, undoubtedly tired and hungry, he notices servants and inquires as to their status. When he learns they are slaves, he says not a word. Later that night, however, he quietly gets out of bed, writes a not to his host explaining why he cannot receive their hospitality, goes to the slaves’ quarters and pays them for the day’s service, and walks out into the night. His silent testimony pierces conventional attitudes and behavior like a carefully aimed arrow of the Spirit. When the household stirs to life the following morning, Thomas Woodward—over his wife’s vehement protests—sets free all his slaves. One more Friend has joined the abolitionist movement. This account gives a glimpse of what can happen when we are faithful to be “doers” of the Word, not just hearers.

PRAYER:

Written by Dimitri of Rostov (1651-1709), a leading opponent of the Caesaropapist reform of the Russian Orthodox church.

Come, my Light, and illumine my darkness.

Come, my Life, and revive me from death.

Come, my Physician, and heal my wounds.

Come, flame of divine love and burn up the thorns of my sins,

kindling my heart with the flame of thy love. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Oh the Mercy of God Performed by Geoff Bullock.

The hymn was written in 1747 by Charles Wesley and first published in 1830. It is a love song and story of God’s love and care.

MEDITATION:

Written by Jon Dyer, a contemporary English missionary and author.ritten by Bill Hoehn.

Mercy is perhaps one of the most defining qualities of God, and without it none of us would be here, never mind able to enter heaven. The Bible is full of phrases such as “to be merciful, ” “to have mercy on, ” or “to show mercy toward.” Mercy is integral to understanding God’s dealings with us. Mercy is defined not only as an act of forgiveness and compassion but as not giving us what we deserve, whereas grace is God giving us something we don’t deserve…Mercy is not merely begrudgingly letting someone off the hook for wronging you. Mercy is a purposeful act of reconciling two parties. Micah 7:18 teaches us concerning the vast mercy of God saying, “Where is another God like you… You will not stay angry with your people forever, because you delight in showing unfailing love.” It actually pleases the Lord to show mercy to people like you and me because he is a God of mercy. Having been shown great mercy, we ought to be more merciful to others. Knowing that God is merciful and has forgiven us our sins, surely, we can forgive those who have sinned against us and show them mercy. Furthermore, God’s mercy for the believer isn’t just a single one-off act. Psalm 23 gives us the assurance that “Surely goodness and mercy shall follow us all the days of my life.” Whatever situation you’re in today, you can rest in God’s mercy.

PRAYER:

This prayer is from the Mozarabic Rite, a liturgical rite of the Latin church once used generally in what is known now as Spain and Portugal. Developed during Visigoth rule of the Iberian Peninsula in the 500s A.D.

O Christ, Son of God, for our sake you fasted forty days and allowed yourself to be tempted. Protect us so that we may not be led astray by any temptation. Since man does not live by bread alone, nourish our souls with the heavenly food of your Word; through your mercy, O our God, you are blessed and live and govern all things, now and forever. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Oh the Mercy of God Performed by Geoff Bullock.

The hymn was written and produced by Geoff Bullock in 1997.

MEDITATION:

Written by Bill Hoehn.

I am happy to share a person through whom I see God working in the world today– Donnie Dee.  In the 1980s, Donnie played a couple of years as a tight end in the NFL.  He then worked for many years in our area with Fellowship of Christian Athletes, a ministry to coaches and high school students.  That is when I got to know him.  A few years ago, Donnie took a leap of faith and went to work as the leader of the San Diego Rescue Mission.  The Rescue Mission houses and feeds over 300 men, women, and children who are dealing with homelessness, mental illness, substance addiction, and other afflictions which have left them on the fringes of society.  Of course, all of us know that homelessness is the most visible societal problem of our generation.  Since taking over his leadership position, Donnie has made great strides in expanding the Mission’s outreach into North and South Counties, bringing housing, meals, counseling, and even mobile hot showers around the County to people who have no access to regular hygiene.  He truly sets an example of being “boots-on-the-ground” as a soldier for Christ with some of the poorest and most long-suffering people in San Diego.  I give thanks to God for people like Donnie who work tirelessly, patiently, and hopefully in the name of Jesus in very difficult, seemingly intractable situations. Many of you may have met Donnie at our Alternative Christmas Market. 

PRAYER:

Written by Maano Pohamba, a contemporary author.

Oh Lord, give me a mind and a heart like the Father’s heart. Let me be able to know what God thinks and feels towards His people so that I may be able to represent Him correctly. Give me a heart that wants to serve others. Let me be sensitive to the needs of those around me, that I may offer help where I can. Use me for your glory, Lord. Use me to build up your Church. Let the world see You in me, my God. Your word tells me that I am a member of the body of Christ. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Here I Am Lord Performed by John Michael Talbot

This hymn was written by Dan Schutte in 1979 and was published in 1981. He wrote the song while studying theology at the Jesuit School of Theology at Berkeley.

MEDITATION:

Today’s Meditation is from a Facebook post from The Grouped Churches of St. Colman’s, Kilroot and St. John’s, Ballycarry. The meditation was submitted by Pastor Jan Farley.

“Asked by the BBC to identify the defining moment in his life Desmond Tutu spoke of the day he and his mother were walking down the street. Tutu was nine years old. A tall white man dressed in a black suit came towards them. In the days of apartheid in South Africa, when a black person and a white person met while walking on a footpath, the black person was expected to step into the gutter to allow the white person to pass and nod their head as a gesture of respect. But this day, before a young Tutu and his mother could step off the sidewalk the white man stepped off the sidewalk and, as they passed, he tipped his hat in a gesture of respect to her! The white man was Trevor Huddleston, an Anglican priest who was bitterly opposed to apartheid. It changed Tutu’s life. When his mother told him that Trevor Huddleston had stepped off the sidewalk because he was a “man of God,” Tutu found his calling. “When she told me that he was an Anglican priest I decided there and then that I wanted to be an Anglican priest too. And what is more, I wanted to be a man of God,” said Tutu. Huddleston later became a mentor to Desmond Tutu and his commitment to the equality of all human beings due to their creation in God’s image a key driver in Tutu’s opposition to apartheid.” My prayer today is that we can all strive to be “people of God” who are willing to “step off the sidewalk” and “tip our hat” to our sisters and brothers, particularly those on the margins. May it be so…

PRAYER:

Today’s prayer is from the Book of Worship for the United Church of Christ, a mainline Protestant denomination.

Grant us, Lord God, a vision of your world as your love would have it: a world where the weak are protected, and none go hungry or poor; a world where the riches of creation are shared, and everyone can enjoy them; a world where different races and cultures live in harmony and mutual respect; a world where peace is built with justice, and justice is guided by love. Give us the inspiration and courage to build it, through Jesus Christ our Lord. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

The Power of Your Love Performed by Darlene Zschech and Hillsong Worship.

This was on the first live contemporary worship album released by Hillsong Music in 1992.

MEDITATION:

Written by D. James Kennedy (1930-2007) an American pastor, broadcaster, and author.

William Wilberforce was at a crossroads. Young, wealthy, well-educated, a member of Parliament, and a much-in-demand man about town, Wilberforce was in the throes of what he later came to call his “great change”—his conversion to Christianity. Elected to Parliament in 1780 at age 21, Wilberforce had pursued his own political ambition with little thought for God or the Gospel. At age 26, this promising, talent-laden member of Parliament had been persuaded to trust Christ after reading a famous devotional classic and the Greek New Testament… Should he leave politics? … Politics, was, as many evangelicals then thought, a “worldly” pursuit. It was an endeavor fraught with moral compromise and the corrupting quest for power. Something, in short, in which no truly “spiritual” believer could take part…Wilberforce put the question to John Newton, the former slave trader turned minister who is best known today for writing the famous hymn, “Amazing Grace.” Newton’s answer amazed Wilberforce. He advised him not to leave his post. That would be tantamount to desertion from the position to which God had called him. Instead, he should serve Christ in the political arena….Wilberforce embraced two great goals: the abolition of the slave trade and the reformation of manners (moral standards)… He largely succeeded. Twenty years after Wilberforce took up the cause of abolition, Parliament passed in 1807 a measure ending the horrid British traffic in slaves. Then, in 1833, just three days before his death, the House of Commons approved a bill for the abolition of slavery throughout the British colonies—an act that, according to Wilberforce biographer Kevin Belmonte, brought freedom to some 800,000 slaves. The impact of Wilberforce was equally profound on the moral climate of Britain … Under his leadership, a Christian social conscience attacked prevalent social ills while at the same time seeking to better the lives of those affected by them. … The life of William Wilberforce is a powerful, stirring, and instructive example that we, as Christians, can bring moral renewal to our culture. It won’t happen through government alone, as Wilberforce well recognized, but it can happen if we answer the summons to be salt and light for Christ in every area of life—including the political arena.

PRAYER:

Written by William Wilberforce (1759-1833), a British politician, and leader of the movement to stop the slave trade.

Lord God, Almighty, you have made all the peoples of the earth for your glory, to serve you in freedom and in peace: Give to the people of our country a zeal for justice and the strength and forbearance, that we may use our liberty in accordance with your gracious will: through Jesus Christ, our Lord, who lives and reigns with you and the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Amazing Grace Performed by Home Free

The hymn was written by former slave trader John Newton in 1772 and was published in 1779. It is based on his life and conversion.  

MEDITATION:

Written by Terri Dickson.

The spring of 2020 was an ominous time, as Covid was first spreading around the globe.  In those early moments, when we were all scared for our lives, and somewhat frozen in place by lockdowns and restrictions, I witnessed Christ working miracles every day in the hearts and deeds of my friends, neighbors, and church family. When a friend heard that I was taking cookies to my daughter, who works in the ER, and leaving them at the curb where she could come out and pick them up to share with the hospital staff, that friend then organized a weekly drop off of baked goods at the hospital that went on for months.  My neighbors started reaching out in text chains when they were going to the store or getting food delivered to see what others needed. They opened their pantries to each other to cover for the things we couldn’t buy. And they checked on people they knew were less able to procure food and other necessities. Friends from all over the country started sending daily little jokes that brought a much-needed burst of laughter when all around us the news was oppressively grim. Our Village Church performed a miracle by moving everything online overnight and the choirs learned how to create music virtually. Blankets were made for the homeless, food was collected for the hungry, donations were offered for those in need.  Christ’s work in this world is real and present every day. Sometimes it takes a crisis for us to actually see it.

PRAYER:

This prayer is from the General Synod of the Church of England in Australia.

Eternal God and Father, by whose power we are created and by whose love we are redeemed: guide and strengthen us by your Spirit, that we may give ourselves to your service, and live this day in love to one another and to you; through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Send the Light Performed by the Altar of Praise Men’s Chorale

Written by Charles Gabriel (1856-1932), a music director at Grace Methodist Episcopal Church in San Francisco. It was composed as a missionary hymn for Easter Sunday and was first sung on March 6, 1890.

MEDITATION:

Written by Dr. O. S. Hawkins, a contemporary author, retired pastor, and finance professional. This is an excerpt from his work “What Does the Lord Require of You?”ritten by Steve and Deb Koster, contemporary ministers and authors.

God requires us as Christ-followers to “love mercy,” and the emphasis continues to be on action, not thought. We are not simply to show mercy to others but to passionately “love mercy.” Mercy is best defined as “not getting what we deserve,” whereas grace is “getting what we don’t deserve.” Micah’s instruction means that we are required to give people what they don’t always deserve; we are to cut them some slack and show them some mercy. When we see someone in a difficult situation, though, some of us tend to immediately think, Guilty… until proven innocent! We take the seat of the judge when our “love” for mercy should be compelling us to be Christ’s hand extended to someone in need, whether or not that person deserves it. Susie, my wife, is one who truly “loves mercy,” and she has always reminded me that our children most need our love and encouragement when they least deserve it. The one who truly loves God, doing justly, and loving mercy are as natural as water running downhill.

PRAYER:

Written by Kurt Struckmeyer, a contemporary artist, writer, and theologian.

God of love, source of mercy and compassion, weave your dream for the world into the fabric of our lives.  Remove the scales from our eyes and lift the indifference from our hearts, so that we may see your vision – a new reign of justice and compassion that will renew the earth. Transform our lives, so that we may accomplish your purpose. Anoint us with your spirit of love that we might bring good news to the oppressed, bind up the brokenhearted, and proclaim release to the captive. Give us a new urgency and a new commitment to feed the hungry, clothe the naked, shelter the homeless, and visit those who live in isolation. Help us to reach out to those whom no one else will touch, to accept the unacceptable, and to embrace the enemy. Surround us with your love, fill us with your grace, and strengthen us for your service. Empower us to respond to the call of Jesus – to deny ourselves, to take up our crosses, and to follow. Make us your disciples. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

My Song is Love Unknown  Performed by Sylvia Burnside accompanied by the New Irish Orchestra

The hymn was written by Samuel Crossman in 1664 and is usually sung today to a tune called Love Unknown by John Ireland (1879-1962).

MEDITATION:

Written by Steve and Deb Koster, contemporary ministers and authors.

In girls’ club, the leader asked the question from Micah 6:8: “What does the LORD require of you?” In unison the girls responded with the next part of the verse: “To do justice, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with our God.” They had memorized this as their theme verse. Justice, mercy, and walking with humility are the behaviors that God is looking for in all of us. It’s a deeply biblical theme.

God calls us, as a matter of worship, to act justly in our day-to-day lives, not being swayed by who has power and who does not. We honor God by showing not only impartial justice but also mercy and compassion. God himself clarifies that we are to seek justice for those who are not socially powerful—the single mother, foster children, immigrants, the poor. God declares, in effect, through Zechariah: “I don’t even want your worship if you are taking advantage of and not defending the weakest among you. You’re worshiping only to make yourselves feel better, not to honor me.” Those are strong words. The suffering of people in another neighborhood—much less others around the globe—can be invisible. Enacting justice and showing mercy requires us to care for our brothers and sisters. Ask God to show you ways to care for the marginalized. What acts of mercy are you doing for your family and community?

PRAYER:

Written by Steve and Deb Koster, authors of today’s meditation.

Lord, help us to show mercy, and make us lovers of justice, so that we can make an impact in this world for you. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

God of Justice (We Must Go):  Performed by Tim Hughes.

This worship song was written in 2007 by Tim Hughes, a contemporary worship leader in London.  It was written for a Tearfund’s  “Make Poverty History” campaign.

MEDITATION:

Written by David Kool and Andrew Ryskamp, contemporary leaders of the “Faithward” mission. This is an excerpt from their article “How to Apply Micah 6:8 to Your Life.”

To “walk humbly with God” is the basis for loving mercy and doing justice. Because of what God has done, we fully invest in healing the world around us through mercy and justice. Cultivating our walk with God provides the power and passion for us to fully engage—it grounds everything else we do. The “walk” metaphor is used often in Scripture to describe the overall direction one’s life is heading. In Deuteronomy, there are a number of references to walking in the way of the Lord, several psalms refer to a walk being blameless, and 1 John encourages us to walk in the light. This poetic picture envisions a comfortable relationship of presence with God and a life that fits into that path.  The adverb “humbly” moves us away from arrogance and the egocentric need to always be better than others, to the simple acceptance of the gifts that God has placed within us. The hymn “Trust and Obey” might come to mind: “When we walk with the Lord in the light of his Word, what a glory he sheds on our way! While we do his goodwill, he abides with us still, and with all who will trust and obey.” 

PRAYER:

Written by Girolamo Savonarola (1452-1498), an Italian Dominican friar and preacher active in Florence. He was known for his prophecies of civic glory, the destruction of secular art and culture and his calls for Christian renewal.

Create a clean heart in me, O God: a humble heart, a meek heart, a peaceful heart, a benevolent heart, a devout heart which does evil to no one, which does not repay evil for evil, but overcomes evil with good, which loves you above all things, thinks always about you, speaks about you, gives you thanks, delights in hymns and spiritual songs, and has its citizenship in heaven. Amen.

MUSIC MEDITATION:

Trust and Obey:  Performed by The Vagle Brothers.  This hymn was written by the music director of the Moody Bible Institute, Professor Daniel B Towner in 1887. A young man had just given his life to the Lord Jesus at one of Dwight D. Moody’s revival meetings when Towner overheard him saying “I am not quite sure—I am going to trust and obey.”