“All the nations may walk in the name of their gods, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God for ever and ever.” (Micah 4:5).
Do you like to walk? Going for a walk can clear the head. You can walk on your own to think or take a friend or partner along and chat. But when it comes to living, would you say that you walk the walk? In the days of Micah, the nations walked the walk in the name of their gods. In contrast, the people of God walked the walk in the name of the Lord, and not just for a short walk, but as Micah says, “for ever and ever”.
Do you remember the name in which you were baptized? If you have not been baptized, you are covered in faith by the same name of Father, Son and Holy Spirit. You are blessed by that name. You are forgiven by that same name. You are loved by that same name.
Do you walk in the name of the Father, the Son and the Holy Spirit? Do you know how to walk this way? Jesus says, “Follow me; I am with you always”. He says, “Come to me, all you who labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest”. Jesus says, “Go and make disciples of all nations”.
These words invite and encourage us to move — to walk and to run, even. That is the heart of walking in the Lord: to be in his word as he lives in you, simply by reading or hearing the word of the Lord and praying or studying it. Walk in the Lord, not because you have to, but because you can in response to his grace, love and mercy poured out on you in Jesus.
When the devil or the world tells you that you are not good enough or that the things you have done are too bad, walk boldly in the name of the Lord, knowing that in his name, you are saved and forgiven of all your sin. Your shame and guilt have been removed, and in Jesus, you will live forever. St Paul reminds us that the righteous shall walk/live/be alive by faith. We have been made right before God by the blood of Jesus. Go in peace and serve the Lord.
Prayer
Dearest Jesus, you call us to come to you. You call us to follow you and then to go out and share you with others. Give me a deep sense of peace, knowing the truth that in you, I am forgiven, I am set free, I am saved, and I am loved. Please help me to walk in your name now and forever. Amen.
Stay encouraged!
Pastor Mike
