July 3, 2025

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“You will see this with your own eyes, and you yourselves will say, ‘The LORD is great—even beyond the borders of Israel.’” (Malachi 1.5)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD TO US:

David asked it, “Where can I go from your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence?” (Psalm 139.7) We know from the story of Job: there is no escape from the presence nor the call of God. The theophany experience of Ezekiel by the River Chebar bore witness to the presence of God beyond the borders of Israel. The denial of God, God’s presence and His providence will not limit the fact that there is no place where God is not at work. It makes logical sense, doesn’t it, because God is the creator of all time, place and life. The fact that the desire to make sin one’s “god” doesn’t change the reality of God’s sovereignty. I will continue to say that truth alone is the very reason why so many have a desire to deny God’s presence. If one can believe hard enough and well enough, “There is no God,” then they may convince themselves there isn’t one. The problem exists that no one can believe hard enough and well enough! The very fact that people are at work with such effort to deny God’s presence establishes that they believe there is a “God presence.” One can “act” contrary to the truth but it doesn’t make the truth a lie nor a lie the truth.” (ref Psalm 109; Romans 16; 2 Thessalonians 9; Colossians 2; even the very question of Pilate “Are you the Son of God” is an expression of the supposition.) Even after “that Day” when justice will have rolled like thunder one last time, the final trumpet blast of judgment will have sounded and Christ will defeat the Enemy of God and humanity and the eternal separation of believers and unbelievers will be in place, those in Hell will still know that God exists and is sovereign. Sadly, they will continue to deny it. They dare not let go of the lie. They will not accept the truth. They will not fall into confession of their sin and rise up in their profession of faith that Jesus is the Christ, the only “way” of salvation. What we find in this introduction of Malachi is the depth of the depravity of God’s people after all God has done and continues to do to redeem them and reestablish them as His people who “walk by faith and not by sight.” The truth is so evident that even those who had never heard nor experienced Yahweh Elohim will believe it (this does not mean they will accept it).

This, mighty ones of God, is the mission and purpose of the Church. The Church (not a building nor an organization but a people and a community) is to bear witness of God’s perfect plan of restoration and new life. The Church is to live out the truth and refute the lie by word and deeds. Is Malachi that precursor of the Church? Let’s read further and see. Shalom.

TODAY’S PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness but as righteous works leading others to call Jesus Lord in faith, hope and love. AMEN.