In that day…

DAILY READING

Micah 4:6-13

FIELD NOTES

I often wonder what the world would be like if the Kingdom of God finally fully reigned.  If the season of Advent is all about anticipating a Savior, I wonder what we anticipate as the Kingdom of God fully comes.  Is it that there is no more suffering?  No more cancer or illness?  No more war and violence?  No more poverty and homelessness?  In the book of Micah, the Hebrew people have been attacked by the Assyrians.  In the passage today, Micah writes of the restoration of the Hebrew nation.  I think it is a glimpse into what the Kingdom of God looks like.  He writes, “In that day, says the Lord, I will assemble the lame and gather those who have been driven away, and those whom I have afflicted. The lame I will make the remnant, and those who were cast off, a strong nation; and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion now and forevermore.”  Essentially, all that is broken is restored.  What a gracious and hope-filled God we serve!

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• What would God’s Kingdom look like to you?  How do you already see evidence of God’s Kingdom (God working in your life or the lives of people around you) even today?
• How can you be a part of bringing God’s Kingdom here on earth?  AKA, how can you serve others around you in a way that shares Christ’s love and mercy?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• How can you serve others this Christmas season?

PRAYER GUIDE

Loving and gracious God, as we anticipate the birth of your Son, and we always anticipate the arrival of your Kingdom, grow in us a heart to serve others this Advent season.  Grow in us a heart to build your Kingdom here on Earth.  God, where there is suffering in body, mind or spirit, call us to be your hands and feet, and through your Spirit, bring healing and restoration to a broken world.  Amen.