Jesus, I Need You, Part 2Sýnishorn

QUIET MOMENT


Four hundred years before John the Baptist, God rebuked His priests and His chosen people through His prophet Malachi. What is God saying about His people in this passage? What are some similarities between His people then and us today? Have we given God our second best? Have we honored men more than God?


GOING DEEPER


Read Malachi 3:1 and Malachi 4:5-6. John the Baptist was the fulfillment of Malachi’s prediction of an Elijah-like prophet (Matthew 11:14; Luke 1:17). John delivers a similar message in his day as Malachi had. Not much had changed in all of those years. Again God’s people needed to be called to repent of their ungodliness.


Thinking about the Israelites’ actions either in Malachi’s day or John’s, what similarities or differences do you see today in our culture and in the church? Do you sense God calling His people to repentance once again? Are you among those who are listening? He wants you to hear His voice. Read Isaiah 57:14-19. What does the Lord say?


Are you doing everything you can to prepare for the kingdom of God to come more fully into your life? Jesus, our Lord, wants to come close. Listen carefully to His voice calling to you. Believe that He is the Messiah, the One who can break every yoke and take every burden. Rest in Him and see.


REFLECTION AND PRAYER


Do not try to handle what only the blood of Jesus can. Sin unconfessed is sin untouched. But a sin-soaked soul, confessed and contrite, bathed beneath the Savior’s blood, is purified and ready for filling with the Savior Himself. Close with prayer.

TAKE THE TRUTH TO HEART AND BRING THE TRUTH TO LIFE

Choose one truth from today and apply it to your heart. Take it with you throughout the day.