"What does the Lord require of you?"

Monday, January 27, 2014

Scripture

He has told you, O mortal, what is good; and what does the Lord require of you, but to do justice, and to love kindness, and to walk humbly with your God? (Micah 6:8)

Reflection

When the Rev. Dr. Michael Wuchter came to First Lutheran Church in Duluth from having been the campus pastor at Wittenberg University in Springfield, Ohio, I was on staff as a musician and pastor. I offered to compose a choral anthem for Michael’s installation, and when I asked him his favorite passage of Scripture, he cited our text for today. Some three years later, Michael died in the arms of his wife, Shirley, while on a mission trip in Africa. Once again, we sang “Michael’s song,” this time for his untimely funeral.

Some years earlier, when we took our son to Wittenberg for new student and parent orientation, not knowing anything at all about the school except what we had read, we were anxious about leaving our first-born in an unknown place amongst unknown people, a long way from home. After we heard Michael, then campus pastor, preach at the opening worship service, I turned to my wife and said, “Erik will be in good hands!” Indeed, he was.

Michael Wuchter lived—and died—his favorite verse of Scripture. What more could any of us ask!

Prayer

Gracious God, Thank you for your prophet, Micah, and his call to do justice, to love kindness, and to walk humbly with you. Thank you, also, for your servant, Michael, who walked humbly with you and whose memory we cherish. In Jesus’ name. Amen.