The Day is Coming
Malachi 4:1 See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. (NRSV)
The fiery judgement of God isn’t something that people want to believe in. It’s incongruous to think of a loving God in that way – not to mention the fact that no one wants to be on the receiving end!
Some time ago, a well-known sporting personality near where I live quoted a Bible passage on social media which talks about the judgement of God; about the reality of there being a hell, a place of eternal torment.
He was howled down and vilified by people who didn’t believe in God, to the point where he lost his playing career: which begs the question, why did a bunch of atheists find this so offensive? After all, they don’t believe in heaven or hell.
And yet, deep down, we all know that there will be a reckoning before God whether we’d like to admit it or not.
Malachi 4:1 See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. (NRSV)
That’s some fearsome imagery, some tough words of accountability. There’s nothing wrong with accountability. It’s a good thing. We should be held responsible for our actions. There should indeed be consequences for bad behaviour.
So … some questions to ask ourselves if we happen to believe in Jesus. Have I become arrogant? Have I fallen into evil? Of course, the one who believes in Jesus is saved from punishment through faith in Him.
But if we turn our backs on God, if we become arrogant, if we choose the path of evil … watch out! The day is coming.
That’s God’s Word. Fresh … for you … today.
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