Cherished Ideals
When all is said and done and the dream is fulfilled Micah is well aware that fulfilment will come not so much as a result of his efforts, important though they are (for his self-esteem if for no other reason), but as a result of God’s vindication of what is right. He knows he will have to wait for God’s time. Meanwhile his role is to keep alive those cherished ideals through the dark and cold wintry days until the spring comes, there is warmth in the air and the blossom appears on the bough.
One way to do that is to be faithful in worship, so we conclude with a liturgy setting out what we must always hang on to if we are to keep alive the dream of the world we all hope for but never quite achieve. Micah strikes three notes.
First, if we remain faithful to his cherished ideals the day will come when everybody will appreciate them and worship at the shrine. Idealistic and unreal it may seem, but less so if we grasp God’s time schedule. Recall how in Britain attitudes have changed radically on subjects such as slavery, capital punishment and women, even if it has taken a few hundred years and there is still some way to go before everyone arrives. In more simple and local situations the ‘new day’ may come more quickly than we think. That is why in worship we have to recall those occasions when we have seen the dream become reality. (vv 11-13)
Second, a recognition that we all have to be good shepherds, especially helping those who feel as if they are isolated in a forest, and never to lose sight of the garden and to enjoy its produce. Food again is central. And continue we must until all who fail to embrace it are embarrassed by it — like meat-eaters at a vegetarian party or smokers in a non-smoking area. (vv 14-17).
Finally, never forget that whatever your plight, power, success or failure, God is compassionate and will never give up. Love and forgiveness are the driving forces of our humanity albeit often with a cross on the way to fulfilment.