Foundations Week 30, Day 5

Scripture Read: Malachi 4
Title: Justice of the LORD

H.E.A.R. 
(H) Highlight verse: "For behold. the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and evil doers will be stubble.  The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.  You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. "  Malachi 4:1 - 2

(E) Explain:  The concluding chapter to the Old Testament is one of hope and despair and justice.  It is a prophecy of hope for those who remain faithful to the LORD because it is a day of healing and joy.  It is a day of despair tofor the evil doers because it is a day of punishment and judgment.  It is a prophecy of completion.  It speaks of the Day of the LORD where everything is complete... Justice, healing, punishment, judgment, and victory.

(A) Application:  The Old Testament concludes with a bang.  It concludes by showing that God is just and He will complete was He has started.  Throughout the Old Testament the prophets have been warning Israel of impending judgement and discipline.  Many of the prophets have called Israel back to their God.  He is lovingly disciplining His people and inviting them back to Him after they have been unfaithful to Him.  And now, the final chapter concludes with a promise of mercy and justice.  God will show mercy to the one who returns in faithfulness and He will show judgment to one who continues in their evil ways.  This promise remains for us today.  God will show grace, mercy and restoration to those who have turned from evil and are obedient to God and believe on the name of Jesus Christ as Lord and Savior.  However, God will show judgment, punishment and justice to those who continue in their sinful ways.  Ultimately the Old Testament ends with a promise... God will show mercy and justice and depending on where you stand with Him, this can bring great hope, or great fear.  How does it end for you?  

(R) Respond: Lord, I so often want justice when I have been wronged, but seek mercy when I have wronged.  Help me to show grace, mercy, and forgiveness when I need to.  But most of all may I live my life in obedience to you so that when I face the Great Day of the LORD I will rejoice because your promises will be fulfilled.