God in the Working World
Scripture Reading — Micah 2:1-5, 12-13
Woe to those who plan iniquity … because it is in their power to do it.
Micah 2:1
On the surface, Israel seemed to be successful. She was wealthy and prosperous. But beneath the glamorous exterior, spiritual problems threatened to destroy God’s people. Love of money, desire for wealth, and hunger for power led to corruption. The wealthy and powerful made shady real-estate deals, seizing land from the poor. When a widow couldn’t pay her rent, she was evicted mercilessly, without concern for her well-being. When a man couldn’t pay his debt, his creditor stripped him of his belongings and sent him to prison.
Worst of all, the guilty were God’s people. On the Sabbath, they worshiped at the temple, listening to the Scriptures and saying their prayers. But what they did on the Sabbath made no difference in what they did the rest of the week. God cares how we practice our faith in daily life.
The prophet Micah promised that God would gather his people like sheep in a pen. And, in time, Jesus came to be our Shepherd-King! (See John 10.) He forgives our sins, and he transforms us by his Holy Spirit so that we are able to reflect God’s character in boardrooms, schoolrooms, banks, farms, factories, and wherever else God calls us to serve.
How does your worship on Sunday shape the way you do your work on Monday?
Jesus, our good shepherd, tend and care for us so that we will reflect your nature in all you call us to do. Keep us from greed and idolatry that threaten to destroy us. Amen.
About the author — Rob Toornstra
Rob Toornstra has served as pastor of Sunnyslope Christian Reformed Church in Salem, Oregon, since 2006. When not busy with pastoral duties, he enjoys spending time with his wife, Amy, and their three children.
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