September 23
Malachi 2:10-4:6; Joel 1:1-3:21
We might disagree when the United States turned the corner from being “One Nation Under God” to the godless nation we find ourselves in now. Some might argue for the 1960’s when prayer was removed from public schools, the groundwork was set in place for abortion which became law in 1973, the sexual revolution where promiscuity was celebrated, etc. Others might point to the 1990’s when the 24 hour news cycle was popularized after the O.J. Simpson trial, the change in our diet occurred with the introduction of GMO’s, the field of medicine with much of its current coldness occurred with the onset of EBM (Evidence Based Medicine), Climate Change was popularized, etc. Still others will point to earlier in the 20th century when the Bible was removed from schools and evolution was popularized. The when is less important than what we are doing about it now. In the popular movie, “Titanic”, one the richest men in the world at that time, John Jacob Astor, played by Eric Braeden went down with the ship. In his final moments, did he reflect? Did he repent? No, he asked the waiter present for one last brandy as the flood waters were swirling around him. Before we be too critical of him, are we that different? We can sense things are culminating. But are we essentially asking for one more bit of worldly satisfaction or are we pointing others to Jesus and emphasizing repentance?
Most people do not recognize that they are living apart from God. We see this in a series of questions launched at those living in Israel when Malachi was prophesying against them in Malachi 2:17, 3:7, 3:8 and 3:13, “ You have wearied the Lord with your words. “How have we wearied him?” you ask.“, Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “But you ask, ‘How can we return when we have never gone away?’ “Should people cheat God? Yet you have cheated me! “But you ask, ‘What do you mean? When did we ever cheat you?’“, “ “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord. “But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’“. Like now, they were completely oblivious to their being separated from God.
Joel tells of near and far future events. He speaks about end times in chapter 2. He speaks clearly of sounding the alarm and leading others to repentance as we read in Joel 2:1, 2:12-13, “ Sound the trumpet in Jerusalem! Raise the alarm on my holy mountain! Let everyone tremble in fear because the day of the Lord is upon us.“, “ That is why the Lord says, “Turn to me now, while there is time.
Give me your hearts. Come with fasting, weeping, and mourning. Don’t tear your clothing in your grief, but tear your hearts instead.” Return to the Lord your God, for he is merciful and compassionate, slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.” This was where the focus of the message through the prophets was. This is where we, the children of God, must now be focused. This life and everything the world has to offer will come to an end. We see what really matters in Malachi 3:16-17, “ Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name. “They will be my people,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. “On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child.” Repentance and being covered by the blood of Jesus Christ, is there any more important message than this in these chaotic times?
Messages from Pastor Lloyd Pulley: