Malachi 4:1-2a (NRSV)
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Chapter 4See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. Verse 2But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
Devotion
The prophet Malachi delivers a massive fire warning regarding God’s day of reckoning. The warning is centered in Malachi’s overarching message to his wayward flock: Wake up, people! Rethink your relationship with God and your neighbors. Repent of your evil ways. Center yourselves in God’s teachings, which includes justice for all people. It will be “toast” for those who turn away from God and act unjustly toward the poor and marginalized. The refiner’s fire is burning. Purification is needed from the inside out—starting with your own heart!
What is the good news in Malachi’s “heated” warning? It starts with two words: Revere God. “Revere” means to have a healthy fear and respect for God. It is a reverence which reflects God’s light and teachings as we live out our faith active in love for all people. The time is now to turn yourself around. Turn to God and live.
Prayer
Heavenly Father, it is so hard to look in the mirror and admit we stray from you. Open our eyes and our hearts and turn us back to you. Help us see others through your eyes rather than our own as we work for justice and peace for all people. Amen.
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