Malachi 2:7

Carolyn Walker Malachi 2:7

For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

The Book of Malachi is the prelude to four hundred years of prophetic silence. The moral and spiritual corruption of the priesthood and the people become evident in this small book. However, God reveals his continuing love in spite of Israel's sin. God's appeal is for the people and priests to stop and realize that their lack of blessings is not caused by his lack of concern, but by their disobedience. The messenger of the Lord, Malachi, reminds the people that a day of reckoning will surely come when God will judge the righteous and the wicked.

Silence is finally broken by the words of the very next prophet, 400 years later, John the Baptist; "Behold the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world" (John 1: 29).

If only the world would heed those words of instruction in order to make use of the past, we would not be repeating history over and over. When people repent and return to God with sincere hearts, divine blessings will flow. This is the call to God's people today - Live the Word, share the word. We as Christians have a duty to let the world know, God is a just God; the day of reckoning will surely come. Are we prepared?

Prayer: Dear God, may we as Christians be a beacon to the world of the truths of your word and may we study and live our lives in such a way as to shine with the light of your love. PRAISE GOD FROM WHOM ALL BLESSINGS FLOW. Amen.