Quiet Contemplation - Day 43

Malachi 3:17-18 (NLT)

“They will be my people,” says the LORD of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

            Writing brief devotional snippets does have some difficulties. When selecting only a single verse or two, care must be taken to stay within the context of the passage. Then there are times when it would be much easier to write pages instead of paragraphs. Both of these thoughts are clearly with me now as I write. For background, Malachi was written to the people of Judah approximately 400 years before the life of Christ. It is a book of both judgment and prophecy. The people had heard the judgments regarding their unfaithfulness and disobedience to God. In the latter part of chapter 3 we are told “Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and  the LORD listened and heard.” (v.16) It is at this point when the LORD responds to them with promise of the future.

            We see all to clearly the fragmentation of our nation—something mentioned in yesterday’s devotional as well. We know the solution is returning to “one nation under God.” The difficulty comes in admitting just how far we have fallen away from God. The temptation is to gloss over wrong with the hopes that everything will somehow be okay and turn out right in the end. Unfortunately, the end is judgment; the end is the ultimate destruction of everything and everyone found unfaithful to God. This is the stark reality of the coming judgment day. Yet there is hope.

            Clearly Malachi proclaimed hope to those who would fear the LORD and honor his name. And to those who would turn their hearts to God, a precious promise was given—to become God’s own special treasure. This is the same promise offered to all who will follow God today. Now more than ever we see the difference between the righteous and the wicked in our nation, between those who serve God and those who do not. In the end, there will be no middle ground. On which side will we be found—the side of judgment or the side of promise?

Gracious Heavenly Father,

            Forgive us when we pretend all is right and we have no need of repentance. For truly, repentance is what we need most. Thank you for the promise of salvation through your only Son, Jesus Christ. Your word is clear, there will be judgment coming for the unfaithful. May we be found faithful in your sight. May our nation return to you.

            In Christ’s name we pray, Amen.

Respectfully written and submitted by

Dotty Willmon, Resurrection Christian—looking for the blessed hope of Christ’s return!