Daily Thought

As Malachi’s prophecy draws to a close, the Lord again raises with the people the matter of their resentful murmuring against His providence. He tells them that their words were ‘stout’ KJV, or ‘harsh’ NKJV, against Him, v. 13. They were presumptuous and arrogant in their cavilling. This is only shown the more by their response in yet another impudent ‘wherein?’ RV (‘what?’ in KJV).

The Lord again proves His case. The murmurers and complainers had gone so far as to say that there was no point in serving God. They were getting no financial return from keeping His word. Indeed, they proclaimed that the proud were happy. They declared that the wicked prospered and wholly escaped God’s judgement, and that serving God made no difference in life. Actually one was better off wicked than pious, they affirmed. Effectively they were saying that they had put God to the test, but He had failed them. Ironically, they gave so little to the Lord yet expected so much materially in return. Their attitude was blasphemous. They had no fear of the Lord at all.

Yet not all of Malachi’s contemporaries spoke like this. There was a godly remnant, and their hallmark was the fear of the Lord. They grasped His grandeur and glory. This sense of awe affected all of their life, and was the root of their whole lifestyle. Their minds were focused on the Lord. They loved fellowship with each other, sharing their thoughts of Him. God is still looking for people like this, and the question is raised - are we among them? God was well aware of this company, and their names and actions were recorded in heaven. The Lord had been their special treasure, they would be His. He would wholly spare them from His future outpoured judgement.

That dreadful judgement will dramatically display that there is indeed a difference between godly and ungodly - those who serve God and those who do not. The day of the Lord is coming, and with it, absolute destruction of the wicked and complete deliverance of the righteous. Live in the light of eternity today. Speak to Him with a grateful heart, and with glowing lips speak of Him - we are assured that the Lord listens and that He hears, see v. 16 NKJV.