Word for the day by Christian Education Forum

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 The Glorious Coming of our Lord

Scripture  Malachi 3:13-18, 4:1-2

 Key Bible Verse Text
Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. Malachi 3:16

Devotional Text
The glorious coming of our Lord refers to the second coming of Jesus Christ. We eagerly wait in anticipation of our savior. The first coming of Jesus was in the humility of a baby in a manger. He lived, suffered, and shed the last drop of his blood in the cross of Calvary to redeem all of humanity. His second coming will be in glory and majesty as King of kings and Lord of lords, to judge the world in righteousness and truth.
We live in a world where very few fear God’s judgment. In Malachi 3:13-15, we see Israelites raising the question of prosperity of the wicked and suffering of the righteous. They complain that the wicked get away with their evil deeds; they get blessed and come to a conclusion that there is no benefit in serving the Lord. There does not appear to be a God of Justice so it is a waste of time living according to God’s standards.
To counter this argument, Malachi, in verses 16 to 18, shows that there is a huge difference between those who serve and obey God and those who do not. The difference will be unveiled on that glorious day which is drawing nearer and nearer. That day will consume the wicked like a furnace. However, for those who fear God, that day will be a day of great comfort and triumph.
There are two choices that lay before each and every single individual who walks the face of the earth. Malachi invites the faithful of all generations to be rational and consider how God repays those who remain faithful. No matter who we arrive at the conclusion, the truth remains. Christ’s return is upon us, and the books of our lives will be laid bare. The admonition here is for those in Christ to not be weary of pursuing him and his goodness.
 

Prayer
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your Word. We thank you for giving us chance after chance to turn our lives around under Your guidance. Give us greater revelation of who You are through Your Spirit. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.

Thought for the Day
Let us live our lives as if Jesus’ return is imminent

Valsamma Mathew
Epiphany Mar Thoma Church, New York

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