There are two readings for today.
SCRIPTURE: Malachi 3
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
So I will come to put you on trial. I will be quick to testify against sorcerers, adulterers and perjurers, against those who defraud laborers of their wages, who oppress the widows and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigners among you of justice, but do not fear me,” says the LORD Almighty. [Malachi 3:5]
In this passage we see both God’s frustrated anger and compassion.
He warns them that He will judge them for their corrupt behaviour, and how He will purify and raise up a new (holy, moral) people.
God does not want to hurt them, but He cannot bless them while they such ‘unblessable’ lives.
Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty. [Malachi 3:7]
God wants them to repent, to come to their senses and return.
This reminds me of the prodigal son, who also robbed his father, wasted his life in immorality, but then came to his senses – and notice how his father (who is Jesus’ picture of God) responds:
So he got up and went to his father. “But while he was still a long way off, his father saw him and was filled with compassion for him; he ran to his son, threw his arms around him and kissed him. [Luke 15:20]
This is the same God speaking through MalachI: “On the day when I act,” says the LORD Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. [Malachi 3:17]
While there is life, there is always hope for repentance, and mercy.
Do not think that your sins are so bad that God could not have compassion on you.
If you are sincere, and if you genuinely go to God and offer yourself to Him for mercy and help, He will help and bless you.
He will “throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that there will not be room enough to store it.” [Malachi 3:10]
This is how Jesus presents the father in the parable too: throwing a huge feast for his returning son!
God does not want to judge and condemn anyone; God wants everyone to repent and return, and He wants to bless everyone.
But He cannot bless those who refuse to repent, and who live ‘unblessable’ lives.
What is holding you back from returning to the Lord?
PRAYER:
Lord, this question seems especially directed towards me. Remind me of Your amazing compassion and mercy, and draw me back to You!