COME

"Come, let us go up to the mountain of the LORD...He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths." Micah 4:2

Wednesday, June 12, 2013

Speech Gives Evidence

Our final workbook chapter draws us to Malachi 3 - 4, yet I would like to narrow the study and close in relevance of our current affairs.
With days filled with scandals, deceit and terrorism...it's wonderful to lean on the Word of a faithful God and hear His promise like these found in Malachi 3:16-18:

Observation: "Then those who feared the Lord spoke with each other and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and loved to think about him."
The Promise: "They will be my people, says the LORD Almighty. On that day when I act, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient and dutiful child. Then you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not."

The recent scandals focus our attention on the Right to Privacy. Every circle of news media throws our rights around, arguing who has the authority to listen to our conversations and read our mail. Many reactions are fierce with anger filling the wires.
What will be the reaction when the anger over government interference through the use of phone taps and email checks realizes an even mightier Someone listens also?
What will they say to the Almighty Judge when they stand before him to give account for every word spoken?

Those saying "IF you have nothing to hide, there's nothing to fear." seem caustic, but it's rebuttal of "it depends who's listening and their reason" stands even more on the side of truth.
This last message from the Old Testament tells each of us the Creator is listening, and yet many of us honestly can sing...
"I know the KING, there's no need to dread".

To me, having a relationship with the Creator makes current affairs all but passing. His authority will right all wrong. He listens, records, and remains in total power over the whole world with its people and all their activities.

Several years ago, I was encouraged to read this promise of God, recorded as the old historical books of the Bible closed for hundreds of years held in silence.
There would be no more words from God until the first advent of His Beloved Son. Then, the Bible declares, "The WORD was made flesh and dwelt among us". Jesus came.
Through Jesus, I asked for mercy. God acted in grace and kindness, forgiving me and washing me clean from my sin. All my words, my attitudes, and my behavior were laid on His Son and HE nailed them to the cross. The Bible proclaims "He bore my sins. He took up our infirmities and carried our sorrows...he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities. The punishment that brought us peace was upon Him and by his wounds we are healed...He bore our sins. " Isa 53:4-5,12.
God placed His judgment for my sins on His Beloved Son. Jesus paid it all for me.
Then, in a resurrected life, victorious over death,  Jesus declared me "not guilty". Titus 3:3-8 NLT
                                             I became "His [God's] treasure". Mal 3:17; 2 Cor 4:7

As the Lord's treasure, the Lord watches over me and LISTENS to what I say to others, who fear him and love to think about him." .
Do I encourage?
Are my words kind and uplifting?
Would my words shame me if the Lord became visibly before me?

Walker AZ Photography
When the Almighty God acts upon His earth is not really up for debate. It all belongs to Him and He will claim it whenever He chooses.
Whether one believes that fact or not will not really matter when God claims what He says is His own.

The Almighty Creator has promised to return.

Some day soon, Jesus Christ will shout "They are MINE!"
Many other passages in the NT describe in more detail who His treasure really is. I choose to believe His Word which tells me as His treasure, I have nothing to fear.
Now, I long for His coming.
Each sunrise, I wonder if this will be the dawning of that glorious Day.

For God promised "On that day, you will see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." 
Justice will prevail.
                                   What about you?        
Are you "his special treasure" ?
Are you anxiously waiting for that day in joy or with dread?
Are you longing for the Creator to come and make all things right?

And now, as you wait for that shout, how's your speech?
Do your phone conversations and emails give evidence that you really belong in the King's treasury?