Thursday Reflection September 23, 2021

Thursday Reflection September 23, 2021

There is a difference

Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. Malachi 3:18

In our text the Lord gives the children of Israel a warning concerning their sinful ways. In Malachi chapter 3 a day of judgement is coming and those who practice witchcraft or obeah, who cheat their employees of their wages, who oppress the marginalised and less fortunate, who fail to carry out justice, and who do not fear the Lord will be dealt with severely.

The text continues by stating that there are those who find no issue with what they do, but God does. They cheat God of the tithes and offerings He deserve. They see no benefit in serving God or repenting of their sins, because those who are arrogant and do evil go without punishment, but our text for today tells us otherwise. “Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.”

In this text some of the children of Israel grew weary in doing good, because they did not see any visible consequence of their sins or the sins of others. They no longer saw it important to remain faithful to God, because they can get away with their sinfulness. As I read this text I thought of those who gave their life to the Lord, but stopped being faithful to God. They now live a life of sin. In Jamaican terms them ‘backslide’. They no longer see the importance of remaining faithful to God. Hear the word of the Lord, punishment is coming for those who feel there is no punishment for a life of sin.

As I continued reading this text I realised that this text is not only for those who have ‘backslidden’ but it is also for those who fail to carry out justice. It is for those who oppress the weak and mistreat them, because they are in a ‘bigger position’. It is for those who mistreat others for their own gain. It is for those who continue to live in sin, but act as if they are holy. It is for those who commit adultery. It is for those who fail to give to God the tithes and offerings God deserves. It is for those who participate in witchcraft and obeah.

As I reflect on the above mentioned group of people I realised that this group of people were God’s chosen people. This group of people are Christians who fail to do what is right. God is saying in this text, do not be deceived for those who live this way and think they are getting away will be judged. They will see that those who are unrighteous will receive punishment while those who are righteous will be honoured. There is a difference!

In verse 7 of this chapter the Lord makes a plea, he says “Now return to me and I will return to you”. There is still hope NOW so return to God and God will return to you. Save yourselves from punishment by faithfully serving God for there is a difference between those who do what is right and those who do not.

shalom

Christopher Euphfa