"Then those who feared the Lord talked often one to another; and the Lord listened and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him of those who reverenced and worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name." (Malachi. 3:16-- Amplified Bible)
The worship of Michael Jackson going on in the media reveals the status of American culture. Charles Simpson once said, "What does it say about a culture which idolizes a man who stands on stage and grabs himself?" America is a culture which is described in the verses just prior to our text-- "You have said, It is useless to serve God, and what profit is it if we keep His ordinances and walk gloomily and as if in mourning apparel before the Lord of hosts?" In other words, the life style of repentance and holiness is just not worth it!
The verses just prior to our text reveal a people of, "what's-the-use?" They looked around them, looking at the lives of the "proud and arrogant...and evildoers," and came to the conclusion that the wicked are having all the fun in life. I was preaching in a church service recently, and there were several young people who were talking almost the entire time. They finally got up and left. I don't know what was going on in their lives, and I certainly have no illusions of my preaching as being something great, inspiring, or convicting. But I could not help but wonder, "Is my witness to Jesus Christ no longer relevant to American culture? Am I out of date?"
Regardless, the follower of Jesus is to proclaim Jesus Christ as Lord, Savior, and King, to proclaim His suffering, His shedding of His Most Precious Blood, to proclaim and live in the Baptism in the Holy Spirit, to speak of and live in anticipation of Jesus' eminent return, and to continue to read, study and meditate in our "God-Breathed" Word, praying for men and nations, sharing Jesus with the lost, and to strive to be as those described in our test, "who worshipfully feared the Lord and who thought on His name." Do not be dissuaded from His Purpose for your life.
Father, in Jesus' Name, write our text in my mind and heart. Amen.
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* I am going to a doctor today for a test. Would you pray for me?
* News, Commentary @: www.antipasprayerforce.blogspot.com
"Looking Unto Jesus"
Hebrews 12:2
Hebrews 12:2
