“God Will See Us Home” (Part 5) – “Being Prophetic” by the Revd Peter Leonard
Prophets are odd.
Micah made himself unpopular with the rich and powerful by calling out injustice and defending the rights of the poor and oppressed. However, he wasn’t a victim and looked forward to a time when the world would exist in peace – a voice of hope then as now.
The whole book of Micah rests for me on this verse where Micah highlights what God wants from us (it is so significant that I have it tattooed on my right forearm!). It comes after a series of questions asking whether God really wants all those offerings of bulls, vats of oil and wine or even our first born. The answer is simple, Micah says, God wants us to do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with God.
The voice of the Christian LGBT+ community within the church has always been prophetic. For many years we were also perceived as a bit odd, for many, many years we have called out injustice and stood on the side of the oppressed and, praise God, we have seen some movement in the direction of justice – nowhere near enough and that is why the prophetic voice is still needed as much now as ever.
For those within and outside of the church we are voices of hope, pointing towards a future where there will be peace and justice. Make no mistake that God is speaking through us as God did through prophets like Micah. Attend any Pride event with the Christians at Pride group and the conversations you have and the gratitude you receive demonstrate that very clearly.
But this simple verse applies just as much to us as it does to others. We need to reflect and ensure that as a community and as individuals we are doing that ourselves.
Are we seeking justice for all, not just our own cause, and how do we live that out? If we are perceived as acting unjustly in one area of our lives then calling for it in another will have little effect.
Do we love mercy? How is this lived out among the LGBT+ community which can be a tough place as well as supportive? How is this lived out in our church communities and perhaps toughest of all, how is that lived out amongst those who disagree with us?
How do we walk humbly with our God? As prophets we are not called to be arrogant or aggressive. We are called to be assertive. To have confidence in what we are seeking to do and to achieve because it is God who wants it and calls for it not because it is our idea or gives us a platform.
To be true voices of hope our words and actions must do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with our God.
A Prayer
Gracious God fill us with your Holy Spirit that we may do justly, love mercy and walk humbly with you our God.
Amen.
ViaMedia.News 
A favourite verse for me too. The core of what following Christ is all about.
LikeLike