10 May 2005 Devotion for Today "Last Words" Malachi 4:1-6

10 May 2005  Devotion for Today  “Last Words”   Malachi 4:1-6

 

If you had any last words for the people that you love, what would they be?  Many do not have the opportunity to say what they would like to say in a time such as this.  Indeed the process of death overtakes them before they are aware.   Their lucid moments elude them so that they cannot express what they would wish to say, indeed if they wish to say anything at all.  My father’s words to me and to his family were “I love you!”  Those were such sweet words to me that I will hold in my memory forever.  Another dear church member this year spoke of seeing the appearing of a “glorious church” prior to his going home to be with the Lord.   Not everyone emits so sweetly at the end.  I’ve heard others breathe their last in profanity, while others say nothing at all.  The lesson for all of us is to keep our words gracious and loving at all times because we do not know when they will be our last. 

 

In Malachi we find the last words of God for at least 400 years.  They were the last words not because God would be dying, but because of the disobedience of the people of Israel there would be a spiritual derth that would last until the birth of His Son Jesus Christ.  But God’s words are clear and concise: judgment for the wicked, but blessedness, healing, and restoration for those who desire to follow Him.  Chapter four concludes the prophecy of Malachi, and all the prophesies predating the New Testament with these words:

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, and all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up," Says the Lord of hosts, "That will leave them neither root nor branch. ² But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings;  And you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.  ³ You shall trample the wicked, for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day that I do this," says the Lord of hosts. ⁴ "Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments. ⁵ Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord. ⁶ And he will turn the hearts of the fathers to the children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”  (Malachi 4:1-6)

One theme we find throughout this passage:  God’s Word is consistent, unchanging, unyielding.  It does not respond to the cultural demands to bend with the winds and the changing tides.  Yet God continually desires to turn His heart to His children when we repent and desire to be with Him. 

What words would you be known for as your life comes to a close?  Would they be as consistent as the words you have spoken throughout your life?  Have a blessed day.

 

Rev. Jeffery C. Russell
Salem Baptist Church
Elizabeth City, NC
jefferyrussell@earthlink.net

 

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