Dream, Dawn, and Do
Woe to those who devise wickedness and work evil on their beds! When the morning dawns, they perform it, because it is in the power of their hand. They covet fields and seize them, and houses, and take them away; they oppress a man and his house, a man and his inheritance. (Micah 2.1-2)
I know I've shared this quote before - probably several times before! - but I just love it and today's scripture brought it to my mind: "Whatever you can do or dream you can, begin it. Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it" (Goethe).
Micah pronounced judgment ("woe") on some who adopted the philosophy to do evil. They follow the pattern:
Dream. With hearts full of covetousness and greed, they lay on their beds at night devising ways to take what is their neighbor's and make it their own.
Dawn. They do not act, however, until the time is right. When the opportunity presents itself - when the power is in their hands - they jump at it.
Do. They take what they want by force, using oppression.
But this same pattern can also be used to accomplish good:
Dream. What good can you do to help others? Reflect on what is noble, kind, and generous. Then consider how you can be part of seeing it happen. The world needs peace... What can I do to be a peacemaker? The world needs patience... To whom and in what way can I be patient? The world needs mercy... Who can I forgive in my heart? The world needs love... How can I love my neighbor as myself?
Dawn. If the wicked can find opportunities to do evil, surely God will give you opportunities to do good. Watch for them and seize the day!
Do. Don't let fear hold you back. Don't wait until just the right time. Don't wait for someone else to do it. "Begin it! Boldness has genius, power, and magic in it!"
Lord, thank you that you planned for our salvation, and when the time had fully come - you came! You lived and died on the cross that I might know God. Help me to have that same drive to do good for others. Amen.