Christmas, day 8. The Day of the Lord, part i.

Malachi is the final prophet in the Old Testament and his final verses promise that Elijah will return before the day of the Lord. The book as a whole is a whirlwind of accusations and indictments against a people who think they are religious but who have lost their spiritual integrity. It is a relevant read for today and I highly recommend reading it in one sitting. It won't take long. 

Then reflect on how 2600 years hasn't made much of a difference in our indifference to a Holy and Mighty God.

Christmas, day 8.  The Day of the Lord (part 1, meditations on Malachi)

Malachi 2:16b Guard yourself in your spirit and do not break faith.

For calling the arrogant blessed,

we lost our blessing.

For calling the evil good,

we lost our discernment.

For offering blind and crippled sacrifices,

we lost our generosity.

For showing partiality in the law,

we lost our justice.

For breaking faith with our marriage partners,

we lost trust.

For not defending the orphans, widows, and aliens in our land,

we lost righteousness.

For using violence to protect ourselves,

we lost our security.

For marrying sons and daughters of other gods,

we lost our God.

Malachi’s litany of charges, LORD, so heavy

—My yoke is easy

besides, it’s all that Old Testament stuff

—My burden is light

You’re much more compassionate

—take My yoke upon you

in Your human-saviour role

—and learn of Me

those Mosaic covenant laws!

—my covenant was with him of Life and Peace

of course we’re better off now under grace

—guard yourself in your spirit