Day 24 – Micah 6: 6-8

Have you heard the old story of the two shoe salesmen, sent by their company to Africa to set up new outlets? Forgive me if you have! One salesman sent a message back to his office: “Send return ticket – nobody bothers wearing shoes here”. The second salesman’s message read: “Send good selection – plenty of opportunity for sales!”

Or we could update this story: Two Lay Workers applied to a small circuit. One walked through the village, market stalls were busy, children played on the green. In attending church the next day, he found very few there to worship. He emailed the Superintendent: “Seems God is unimportant here – no thank you!” The second Lay Worker walked up through the village the following week, market was busy, children on the green – and the next day very few attended church. She emailed: “I’d love the opportunity to work here, will stay for interview, thx”.

In both cases, this is about opportunities perceived at that time and place. The salesman would probably have an easier job at selling shoes, but clearly the Lay Worker had the vision to see the people she could care about, and the opportunities she could create for sharing the good news of God’s love.

Micah cared about his people. He prophesied both the doom of Israel and the deliverance by God, urging them to understand their rituals and sacrifices were worthless unless their hearts changed. There needed to be more justice, loving kindness and stronger reliance on God, yet with humility.

Those words are as relevant today – hearts still need to change. We have the advantage of knowing God’s love in Jesus, the sacrifice that was made for us. Amazing love offered – for sharing – let us do so today.

Father God, may we recognise any opportunity to reach out to others with Your love, in Jesus’ name. Amen.

by Margaret Foxall
Bede Circuit
Local Preacher