July 7, 2025

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“‘But you profane it [My Name] when you say the table of the Lord is defiled, and as for its fruit, its food is contemptible’ You also say: ‘Oh, what a nuisance and you turn up your nose at it,‘ says the LORD of Hosts. ‘You bring offerings that are stolen, lame, or sick! Should I accept these from your hands?‘ asks the LORD.” (Malachi 1.12-13)

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

Yesterday, I reflected on the question which we also heard in our reading of Isaiah upon his call to serve the Lord, “Who will go for me?” (to Isaiah) and “Who will shut the temple doors so that useless sacrifices are not given?” (to Malachi) The question gleaned from both contexts is summarized as “Who will stand up for the Lord?” It is the question not given to some but to everyone who accepts the Word of the Lord, in flesh and in spirit, to be the call of salvation. All the prophets spoke of that One who would come in the name of the Lord and declare the perfect word of God’s love. That One and that perfect word is none other than Jesus Christ. He lived to fulfill all righteousness (as He declared to His cousin John the Baptizer at His baptism; re. ceremonial anointing as a rabbi). He died to fulfill all righteousness (which was accomplished in His crucifixion accepting the cup that could not be passed from Him.) He lives again to fulfill all righteousness in His return as the Glorious King of kings and Lord of lords (which we anticipate while we serve and worship the Lord our God in spirit and in truth.) In all of this, we are given the privilege of embracing the gift of righteousness which is ours in Christ Jesus. However, and this is a vital however, while it is a free gift which we do not deserve because of our sin and sinfulness, it is not without charge and accountability. From that gift we are not called to abide by works righteousness. Rather, as was Christ Jesus, we are called to do the works of righteousness for His name’s sake and that of our Father in Heaven who has made it possible for us to again dwell in the kingdom of righteousness.

The question of accountability for us as mighty ones of God should be asked of us, by ourselves first and foremost, “Are we walking in righteousness to do righteous works?” Further, we ought to be asking, “Are we revealing the glory of God to bring glory to God and all eyes to focus on Him as the cause of our redemption, reconciliation and rebirth?” Mighty ones of God, we dare not consider that since we have this great gift of grace which proclaims our forgiveness of sin and freedom from the penalty of our sin which is eternal death, our hold on righteousness can be with slippery fingers, a fluttering heart, a wandering mind and a set aside spirit. In all of this, we could most easily be accused of stealing and defiling the very blessing which God loves to pour out on His children. This is what God hates! And I think that while God hates removing the blessing from us or us from the blessing, He hates it more when we treat the blessing with carelessness and a cavalier spirit. How do we do that? Are we pressing toward that perfection which Jesus announced in His “Sermon on the Mount” as “Be perfect as your Father in Heaven is perfect.” (Matthew 5.48) I say this knowing that I am far from perfect. Yet, knowing this I am challenged to an accountability to strive toward that perfection. How can I do that? I can do it the very same way you can? The striving comes in being a disciple of Jesus Christ and to walk (by word and act) the way Jesus walked through His world. He prayed. He studied the Word. He shared the Word. He fellowshipped. He witnessed. He followed the paths of righteousness doing good for others. He pointed people in the direction of God and godliness. He loved others. He loved God. He even laid down His life for the sake of others. He did not do what God outlines and Malachi recorded in the verses for today’s reflection. And you thought the Old Testament was not valid for today’s Christ follower or today’s world! Hmmmm.

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.