I always enjoy the seasonal musicals our amazing Music Director, Pete, chooses or puts together for us. Over the years, I have been inspired by each one, as well as having the privilege of being a part of all of them. Years ago, Pete led us in a Christmas Musical, “All Bow Down,” and the lead song that touched my heart was, “Because of Your Tender Mercy.” As I was reading today’s passage, the lyrics of the song came rising up in my spirit and I wanted to share them with you. These lyrics reveal the way to peace [wholeness] is through the mercy of God.
“Because of Your tender mercy, the morning light from heaven is about to shine…is about to shine.
Because of Your tender mercy, though we have walked in darkness You will end our night…You will end our night.
Because of Your tender mercy, to every generation You have shown Your love…You have shown Your love.
Because of Your tender mercy, You are forever faithful reaching down to us…reaching down to us!
Let the heavens rejoice. Let the angels sing. Let earth receive the King of kings. So holy, so worthy…You come to us!”
In our passage today from Malachi, the prophet serves as a mouthpiece for God in response to Israel’s claim that God treats those who do evil better than he does those who seek to live in righteousness. Malachi reminds the people the Lord responds to righteous actions, but not always with material blessings. The people are encouraged, by the Lord, to remain honest and faithful in their worship, because God’s justice will prevail. Fear of the Lord is living in his wisdom; worshipers know this is the Truth. Spiritual blessings come as we grow in wisdom by our obedience; blessings are generously given to the righteous by our Savior all the time.
God’s word reminds us the unrepentant evil-doers will taste the fate of their sin when they are separated from the righteous by his judgment. Keep doing what is right before the Lord, because there is no better foundation on which to be standing. The obedient are spared judgment…praise His holy name!
Malachi 3:13-18 NLT
13 “You have said terrible things about me,” says the Lord.
“But you say, ‘What do you mean? What have we said against you?’
14 “You have said, ‘What’s the use of serving God? What have we gained by obeying his commands or by trying to show the Lord of Heaven’s Armies that we are sorry for our sins? 15 From now on we will call the arrogant blessed. For those who do evil get rich, and those who dare God to punish them suffer no harm.’”
The Lord’s Promise of Mercy
16 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.
17 “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. 18 Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”
Prayer: Lord, thank You for Your tender mercy, generous blessings, and the peace and wholeness that comes from obeying You. Holy Spirit, please move through us and help us stay honest and faithful when we gather to worship You. You are our King and we bow before You because You are the Righteous One we desire to serve. In Jesus’ name. Amen.