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.
For background, the book of 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. In this passage, the people had heard the judgments in regard to their unfaithfulness and disobedience to God. Their response was repentance. In the latter part of chapter 3, upon hearing the LORD’s judgment, we are told:
Malachi 3:16 (NIV) Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name.
It is at this point that the LORD gives his promise of mercy (today’s text, vs. 17-18) to those who faithfully serve him. Those found on the side of promise will be God’s special treasure. Make no mistake, there will be a day of judgment and that judgment will result in the ultimate destruction of everything and everyone found unfaithful to God. There will be a defined line; a definitive difference; a clear distinction between those who serve the Lord God Almighty and those who do not. Do not be deceived; do not fall into the temptation of thinking that there will be multiple options and alternatives. Again, there is no middle ground! The ultimate question is this:
Will you be found on 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 we be counted among those who are your special treasure.
In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
The devotional No Middle Ground appeared first on Write From My Heart at
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Email: Dotty Willmon, writefrommyheartblog@gmail.com
Scripture quotations marked NIV are taken from The Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®, Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
Scripture quotations marked NLT are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright © 1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved.