Thursday 14 August 2025

Psalm 27

Background
This week we are reading passages from the book of Micah. The instructions which Micah shares with us in this reading concern finding our voice. God says "Let the hills hear your voice."(v. 1) The people should speak out and tell the story that God has been active from the beginning.

Here we have the instructions for living and are reminded of what is truly required if we are his people. It would seem God is not asking for rivers of oil and burnt offerings (vs 6-7) but to give over everything into God’s hands. We are asked to listen to what we are being called to if we are truly to live within the requirements God makes on his people “to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God.” (v. 8)

At first sight the instructions in verse 8 might seem simpler than those we might find elsewhere. But if we take the words seriously, 'to do justice' means that we should be prepared to listen to both sides of an argument and come out with the solution which fits best with faith. To love kindness, and to be prepared to walk humbly alongside others as they seek to be loyal to their maker, remind us not to be arrogant as we seek to worship our creator God.

The hymn Martin Leckebusch writes ('Show me how to stand for justice' Singing the Faith 713) is based on verse 8. It spells out these words very clearly and are a way of continuing the journey we are called to do.

To Ponder:

• How easy do you consider it is to take seriously verse 8? Is it easier to give away material things rather than to set your mind on what God requires in a more spiritual sense? It's not an easy question but it's one we need to consider from time to time. Spending time in worship asking to be shown the journey which is ahead of us is a valuable lesson. We must not neglect to spend time with God and seek to travel our own way.
• Have we found these words of Micah easy to follow or one of the most difficult lessons we have had laid before us? Perhaps we might need to continue to meditate on his words as we seek to travel on in faith asking God to help us to fully understand his purpose.

Prayer
Lord as we come before you in prayer we ask that you will open our hearts and our minds to see the purpose you have for us to undertake to truly prove that we are your people. We see your purpose in your son the Lord Jesus, help us to truly follow his commandments of love so that we might serve your purpose in our lives. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Pat Billsborrow
Pat came into ministry 38 years ago and has been a supernumerary for 19 years. She is happy to continue serving wherever she is needed.