Pilot Knob Lutheran Justice is Coming 11/16/2022
Malachi 4 is a fitting way to end to the Old Testament. Vss. 1-2 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. This speaks of coming judgment, glory, and victory; two things more certain than death and taxes, and that is judgment for the wicked and glory for the righteous.
“The day of judgment is coming”: it may seem like a long wait for justice and we may be tempted to give up, but at the right time all who are not righteous, i.e., one who does not follow Jesus Christ will come into fiery judgment, burned up like straw, but not consumed. The final judgment does not eliminate the wicked so as not to exist. The fiery judgment will last for eternity, inflicting pain and suffering with no relief. Vs. 2 mentions roots and branches referring to the final end, no life, no rebirth, no second chance; like Roundup that kills the root, the unrighteous have no hope.
Contrast that with the righteous, those who ‘fear my name.’ At the coming of Jesus Christ what will the righteous experience? Fear, uncertainty, suffering or something else? The righteous will experience Jesus’ return as healing of the deepest and most lasting ailments and pain of mind, body, and soul. An image or promise that is most appreciated as one ages and youthful vitality has left.
The coming of the crucified Messiah will bring relief, inexpressible, hilarious, and unspeakable joy. It is like crossing the finish line and evil can no longer touch you and you experience a deep sense of relief and peace.
We continue to live each day with the heaviness of evil, immorality and injustice all around and growing. It is like Holy Week, the dark storm clouds of wickedness continue to gather overhead, but lasts longer than a few days. Will Sunday ever come? Will evil and wicked people ever come to justice? Vs. 2 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. Yes, God has never and cannot ever break His promise. When and how He comes should not be our main concern. Our focus should be living for God each day and in doing so people will see Jesus in you and we can share the hope we have in Christ alone.
Pr. Bob Snitzer
By the Way:
Today, 4:30 Confirmation class.
November 20, 9:00 Morning worship. Missions, Patti Griffiths
10:15 Sunday school for all ages.
~ Past communiques and sermons can be read and heard on our website: www.pilotknob.org and Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PilotKnobLutheran/
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