[APRIL 4] A "Banana Slug" Lesson

Read: Micah 6:1-8

 "What does the Lord require of you but to do justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?"

--Micah 6:8

Sports team names have a variety of origins. they come from history (Spartans, Mountaineers), nature (Cardinals, Terrapins), and even colors (Orange, Reds). one even comes from mollusk family.

In the 1980s, the University of California at Santa Cruz was just starting to get involved in competitive sports. UCSC had a bit disdain for the overemphasis some big time schools place on athletics, so the student body sought a team name that would reflect a somewhat different approach. they decided on the Banana Slug, a yellow, slimy, slow, shell-less mollusk. It was a clever way for UCSC to give a balanced perspective on the relative of sports.

I have always loved sports, but I know that they can easily become more important than they should be. What matters most in life is what Jesus said is most vital--loving God with all of our hearts and loving our neighbors as ourselves (Matt. 22:37-39). Micah listed God's requirements this way: "do justly," "love mercy," and "walk  humbly with your God" (6:8). For believers in Jesus, it is vital that nothing else takes top priority over god's expectations for us.

What matters most to you? The Spartans? The Red Sox? Or loving God in thought, word, and action? --Bill Crowder

Lord, what matters most to Your today?

What can direct us in each thing we do?

Could it be to let nothing at all

Interfere with our deep love for You? --Branon

REFLECT ON THIS:

Beware of spending too much time on matters of too little importance.

[MARCH 11] God's Mercies

Read: Genesis 32:3-13 

"I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies" 

--Genesis 32:10

Less than the least of all God’s mercies.” This was the motto 17th-century English poet and clergyman George Herbert engraved on his signet ring, and it was the phrase with which he signed his letters and books. Jacob had spoken these words when he pondered God’s goodness despite his own sin and shame: “I am not worthy of the least of all the mercies and of all the truth which You have shown Your servant” (Gen. 32:10).

The word “mercies” is from the Hebrew word chesed, meaning “God’s enduring love.” I think it is significant that it rose from the heart of one who saw himself as utterly unworthy.

Relying solely on God’s faithful love, Jacob cries out: “Deliver me!” What an odd combination of thoughts: “I am not worthy... Deliver me” (vv.10-11). Unlike some who seem to have it all together, Jacob knew that everything he brought to God had been ruined by sin. He thought of himself as a man undeserving of God’s grace. But his hope lay not in his worth but in the promise of God to look with favor on those who throw themselves on His mercy. Humility and contrition are the keys that open the heart of God.

As He did with Jacob, God hears us when we humbly cry out to Him for mercy. --Dennis Fisher

For mercies so great, what return can I make?

For mercies so constant and sure?

I'll love Him, I'll serve Him with all that I have

As long as my life shall endure. --Chisholm

REFLECT ON THIS:

Mercy is an unearned blessing bestowed by God on an unworthy recipient.