Sermon Transcript: The Fourth Sunday after the Epiphany January 30, 2011 The Rev. R. Allan McCaslin Readings: Micah 6:1-8; Psalm 15; I Corinthians 1:18-31; Matthew 5:1-12
From the prophet Micah, “What does the Lord require of God’s people but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.” I speak to you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today’s scripture readings seem especially poignant in light of the events of the past week in our nation and abroad. Some world leaders suggest that civil unrest in other parts of the globe are not our concern while many of our own political leaders suggest that it is somehow our own fault if we are unemployed and have difficulty making ends meet. More and more often, our culture espouses a belief that it is the powerful and beautiful that are blessed of God. Even religious leaders with their prosperity Gospel – a false Gospel – suggest that if you are not rich, then you are not right with God or not praying hard enough for the good life.
Our scripture lessons this morning tell us differently. When the prophet Micah arrived on the scene in Israel about 700 years before the birth of Christ, the nation had enjoyed many years of prosperity and, in the process, had grown complacent to the needs of their neighbors. Poverty, hunger, homelessness, unfair lending and business practices were increasing daily much like we hear about modern day Egypt and see here at home. The people of Micah’s day started to believe that if you were poor, or in need, it was a sign of your disfavor with God and your responsibility alone. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with requiring people to work in order to earn a living, but the incredible message of the prophet Micah is that we are responsible for the care and welfare of each other, our neighbors, and the world.
From the prophet Micah, “What does the Lord require of God’s people but to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with our God.” I speak to you in the name of the Father, the Son, and the Holy Spirit. Amen.
Today’s scripture readings seem especially poignant in light of the events of the past week in our nation and abroad. Some world leaders suggest that civil unrest in other parts of the globe are not our concern while many of our own political leaders suggest that it is somehow our own fault if we are unemployed and have difficulty making ends meet. More and more often, our culture espouses a belief that it is the powerful and beautiful that are blessed of God. Even religious leaders with their prosperity Gospel – a false Gospel – suggest that if you are not rich, then you are not right with God or not praying hard enough for the good life.
Our scripture lessons this morning tell us differently. When the prophet Micah arrived on the scene in Israel about 700 years before the birth of Christ, the nation had enjoyed many years of prosperity and, in the process, had grown complacent to the needs of their neighbors. Poverty, hunger, homelessness, unfair lending and business practices were increasing daily much like we hear about modern day Egypt and see here at home. The people of Micah’s day started to believe that if you were poor, or in need, it was a sign of your disfavor with God and your responsibility alone. Certainly, there is nothing wrong with requiring people to work in order to earn a living, but the incredible message of the prophet Micah is that we are responsible for the care and welfare of each other, our neighbors, and the world.
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