Malachi

The prophet Malachi has "the last word" so to speak in the Old Testament.  After the recording of his messages from the Lord, there is nothing heard from the Almighty for 400 years.  What would YOU say if you knew that you would not address someone for a considerable length of time?  Listen to what God says to His people.

I have loved you.  A great statement, one that I am sure many would include in their final words before a great silence.  Look, however, at the nation's response.  "What?  Prove it!"  Their unbelieving response is shocking.  How could God demonstrate His love for them any further?  What more could He do?  He outlines for them the ways in which He has shown them favor - and will continue to shower them with blessing.

But the people's response is contrary.  They have in turn rejected God's teaching and perverted His commands.  They have not shown Him honor; and then questioned His integrity for not "understanding them" when they offered polluted sacrifice.  Oh, the audacity!  They offer to God items that no human authority would accept; they assign a worthless value to worship and service to the One Who delivered them from all their trouble; and they allowed the morally bankrupt among them to be their religious leaders.  They have perverted the sacrifices - the picture prophecies of what God would one day do in removing sin permanently.

And still the people question God "What's the big deal?"  They mock the guidelines He established for worship, for marriage, for life and living.  And yet, they wonder why God is upset with them.

So, here is what God promises He will do to these people.  Are you ready for this?  Wait, how would YOU respond?  Lightning bolts in well-positioned places?  Plagues of epic proportions?  Remember, if you are deity, you have unlimited resources at your disposal.

But what God does is incredible.  He promises to send a messenger to prepare the way for His arrival.  One will come to set all things right.  When He arrives (God, not the messenger), all will be judged accurately and completely.  No sins will be hidden and all will receive their just reward.  The result of this is that people will once again be prepared to worship the Lord properly and correctly.  There will no longer be the capacity to short-change God.  The reality of the joy that comes from serving Him will be evidenced plainly.  When that day arrives, the wicked will have every right and expectation to be afraid.  Those in right relationship with God, however, will find that He does fulfill His promises of blessing just as fully as His promises of punishment.  He will bless, in His time; but for those who refuse to listen, a curse is all they can expect.

As this year closes, how are you responding to God?  Are you among those who fear Him, or those who are afraid of Him (that is NOT two ways of saying the same thing).  Would you be afraid at His coming - since He would then judge you; or would you be blessed because of the reverential awe and obedience you have demonstrated in your life prior to His arrival?  Tomorrow, many will be making resolutions and talking of starting new habits.  God wants nothing of that sort.  He doesn't ask you to turn over a new leaf; He asks you to turn over your life to His control.  How will you respond?