Advent 2020 (day 18 of 26)

December 16, 2020 (Wednesday)

 

Advent 2020, day 18 of 26.

 

The Bible tends to NOT be “politically correct.” By some people’s reckoning it is offensive to the point of being evil. The labels can sometimes be harsh, to be gentile.  For instance, “You will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between those serving God and those not serving him.” [Malachi 3:18 CEB] Not only is this harsh but it is judgmental.

 

Some might argue that we are not to be judgmental because the Jesus forbids it. This is false. Jesus warns us to be cautious in judgment because we will be measured by the same yardstick we use on others (see Matthew 7:1 – 2). Judging between “the righteous and the wicked” can be really touchy, but very simple. Without placing a rating on the individual (such as anathema or reprobate) we can understand what we do in light of the Bible.

 

If the Bible calls it “wicked” that is what it is. The difference between two starts as a response to God.  In Malachi 3:16a notices, “Then those revering the Lord, each and every one, spoke among themselves. The Lord paid attention and listened to them.” [CEB] The message of Malachi 3 is about a certain day when The Lord would show up with the “heavenly forces” (see Malachi 3:1).

 

For the record, when Jesus was born the first Christmas he showed up with an army! Anyone who has read the account in Luke of Jesus birth has seen it, but maybe didn’t get the meaning. Luke 2:13 states, “And suddenly there was with the angel a multitude of the heavenly host praising God and saying.” [ESV] The word translated “host” is literally “army.” Their message that night to the shepherds was “let there be peace because you have been conquered by someone who only has good will toward you!”

 

Back to the politically incorrect Malachi… When Jesus returns two things are promised. First up, “All the arrogant ones and all those doing evil will become straw. The coming day will burn them.” Malachi 4:1b CEB] About these people Malachi continues, “You will crush the wicked; they will be like dust beneath the soles of your feet.” [Malachi 4:3a CEB] That will preach well: repent or we will crush you like dust!

 

The other thing promised, “But the sun of righteousness will rise on those revering my name; healing will be in its wings so that you will go forth and jump about like calves in the stall.” [Malachi 4:2 CEB] Healing comes from being in right relationship. That crushing and stomping is NOT deliberate or malicious thing. Calves are not really thinking about what they are jumping on, it just happens. That’s the reason those who refuse to follow Jesus will hate those who do. Our very presence threatens them in all sorts of ways.

 

Think about it. When we return hatred with love, people will notice. The devil would rather have us drowning in mindless hate. When we live righteous lives in an ungodly generation, people will notice the difference. That just might bring conviction. Conviction, that’s the uncomfortable feeling we get when God corrects us and points out what displease Him.

 

But this is not all innocent stuff. God promises, “Look, I am sending Elijah the prophet to you, before the great and terrifying day of the Lord arrives.” [Malachi 4:5 CEB] This is one of the prophecies that has a double fulfillment. Jesus declared, “He answered, “Elijah does come first to restore all things. … In fact, I tell you that Elijah has come.” [Mark 9:12a, 13a CEB]

 

Brace yourself. Jesus is coming. Are you ready?