Purification: A Study in MalachiSample

What does it say?

It seemed to the righteous that the wicked prospered and the arrogant were blessed. God heard the righteous, reminding them that they were His treasured possession.

What does it mean?

The largest portions of the books of prophecy in the Old Testament are God’s warnings to the wicked that He will repay them, so when the righteous saw the wicked prosper, they wondered what was happening. It is easy to forget that the world is on God’s time clock – His agenda for punishing the wicked and rewarding the righteous. When the wicked see God at His return, they will be punished; but when those who are righteous see Him, they will rejoice. In the meantime, the Israelites were to remember the Law of Moses and await the Lord’s coming.

How should I respond?

When we see real-world injustice, we expect God should handle it immediately because He sees all things. After all, complex crimes are solved in less than an hour on TV shows – right? We have to remember that God promises us justice … in His time. Write three important words on a note: “I can wait.” Place the note where you can see it. Justice will come in due time – punishments for the wicked, rewards for the righteous, and forgiveness for those who trust God. In the meantime, read the Bible, pray, and wait on God. That’s the essence of true faith.