The Journey of Righteousness: A Call to Revere God's Name.
In the final chapters of Malachi (Malachi 3:13-4:5), we encounter a powerful message that resonates deeply with our modern struggles of faith. The text presents a stark contrast between those who truly fear the Lord and those who question the value of serving Him. It's a timeless challenge that many of us face: What's the point of devoting our lives to God when it doesn't seem to make a difference?
This question strikes at the heart of our faith journey. How often have we wondered if our devotion truly matters? In a world that often seems to reward the wicked and ignore the righteous, it's easy to become discouraged. But the scripture offers a profound response to this doubt.
We're introduced to a group of people who, despite the prevailing cynicism, choose to fear the Lord. They gather together, talking about God, and something remarkable happens (Malachi 3:16): "The Lord listened and heard." This simple statement carries immense weight. It paints a picture of a God who is eagerly attentive to those who honor Him. Like the father anticipating his son’s return in Luke 10, God leans in to hear the words of those who revere His name.
This moment marks a turning point. A "scroll of remembrance" is written, recording the names of those who fear the Lord. It's a powerful metaphor for the eternal significance of our choices. While we may not leave behind great wealth or fame, our devotion to God creates a legacy that transcends earthly measures.
But what does it mean to be righteous? The Bible makes it clear that true righteousness is perfection in God's eyes—a standard none of us can meet on our own. As Romans 3 reminds us, "There is no one righteous, not even one." This sobering truth applies to all of humanity, from the beginning of creation to the end of time.
Yet, there is hope. The path to righteousness isn't through our own perfection, but through taking God seriously at His word. When we approach Him with genuine reverence, acknowledging our failures and seeking forgiveness, He transforms us. This transformation isn't based on our goodness, but on His grace.
The apostle Peter beautifully encapsulates this in 1 Peter 3:18: "Christ also suffered once for sins, the righteous for the unrighteous, to bring you to God." This is the heart of the Gospel—that through Jesus, the unrighteous can be made righteous in God's sight.
The text then shifts to a stark warning about the coming day of judgment (Malachi 4:1-3). It's a challenging passage that speaks of the destruction awaiting those who reject God. While this may make us uncomfortable, it underscores the seriousness of our choices. For those who revere God's name, this day brings healing and joy, described poetically as frolicking like "well-fed calves."
This imagery reminds us that true righteousness isn't a burden, but a source of freedom and joy. It's not about following rules out of fear, but about living in harmony with our Creator's design.
The book of Malachi concludes with a promise and a plea. The promise is that God will send "the prophet Elijah" before the great day of judgment. This prophecy finds its fulfillment in John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus. The plea is to "Remember the law of my servant Moses"—a call to take God's instructions seriously.
This final exhortation serves as a bridge between the Old and New Testaments. It points us toward Jesus, the ultimate fulfillment of God's law and the source of true righteousness. In Christ, we find the means to live out the devotion and faithfulness that God desires.
The message challenges us to examine our hearts. Are we merely seeking the benefits of faith without true commitment? Do we offer God our leftovers – in time, resources, and devotion – rather than our best? The Malachi warns against half-hearted worship and encourages us to orient our entire lives toward honoring God.
This call to wholehearted devotion isn't meant to crush us under the weight of expectation. Rather, it's an invitation to experience the fullness of life that God intends for us. It's a reminder that our actions matter, that our choices create ripples in eternity.
As we reflect on this message, we're faced with a crucial question: What legacy are we writing with our lives? Are we living in a way that reveres God's name, or are we simply going through the motions of faith?
The good news is that it's never too late to return to God. No matter how far we've strayed or how half-hearted our devotion has been, God is waiting to hear our cry. When we take Him seriously and orient our lives around His word, He promises to listen and to write our names in His book of remembrance.
This isn't about earning salvation through our efforts. It's about responding to the incredible grace we've been shown in Christ. It's about allowing that grace to transform us from the inside out, shaping our priorities, our relationships, and our daily choices.
As we close, let's consider the invitation before us. We're called to live lives of full devotion, to be true to the Gospel not just in word but in deed. We're challenged to give God our best, not our leftovers. To remain faithful in our relationships, to act justly, to give generously, and to fear the Lord with sincere hearts.
This path isn't always easy, but it leads to true life. It's a journey of continual return to God, of taking His word seriously and allowing it to be written on our hearts. As we do so, we can trust that our names are being written in heaven, creating a legacy that will endure long after we're gone.
May we have the courage to examine our hearts, to turn from half-hearted devotion, and to embrace the fullness of life that comes from revering God's name. In doing so, we'll discover the joy, freedom, and purpose that can only be found in Him.
Rev. Joshua Ryu
