Restored!

Restored!

And he shall turn and reconcile the hearts of the [estranged] fathers to the [ungodly] children, and the hearts of the [rebellious] children to [the piety of] their fathers [a reconciliation produced by repentance of the ungodly], lest I come and smite the land with a curse and a ban of utter destruction. Malachi 4:6 AMPC

The Context and Focus:

Today's verse is taken from a chapter of the bible with only 6 verses, and is actually the last verse of the recorded old testament. The entire chapter speaks to two classes of people: those who have come to know and follow God, and those who have rejected Him. For either camp, there are both earthly and eternal realities to consider. For either camp, the day of the Lord is coming. It is a day of deep darkness, pain and sorrow, as well as a day of victory and the fulfilment of hope. The reality of that day for each of us will be defined by the camp we were found in when the day of the Lord dawns. There is no third camp or middle ground; there is no compromise to be made between both camps as you are either in one or the other. There is also no joint account here; I don't get to speak for my husband, wife or child; each person gets to face the judgment seat of God as sole individuals. The clear fact is that just as God is preparing for that day, so must I also prepare the right way for that day. I don't get to live as I please, but to please the One who gave me life. That is purpose. 

The Message:

Part of God's preparation for that day are the laws He has made available. He gave them to us free of charge, and we can read about Him and his laws from the bible. The bible has become arguably one of the most published things in the world, so we are left without an excuse for ignorance about God's law. God has also not just given us his laws, rules and regulations, as well as code of conduct, but he has also given us of Himself, in the person of the Holy Spirit, to help us as we seek to follow God and obey His command. It is very clear that God does not command from us that which he has not supplied grace for; I need to depend and draw on the abundant supply of grace available in Him. God is aware of the power of sin, and that is why he has made available the power of grace. His perfect purpose is that the family life play an important role in the building of a society where He is recognised and glorified. He has clear instructions for every member of the physical family, as we saw in yesterday's verse, which is also replicated in the spiritual family. 

The Conclusion:

God has made clear his instructions for daily living, yet He promises that before the day of the Lord comes, He will send a messenger, whose work will be reconciliation and restoration. The Message will seek to bring the estranged father back to the ungodly children, as well as the rebellious children back to the pious fathers. The Message is one of peace, love and hope, but it also contains the word of judgement. This is the healthy view of God that all of us must have: not a God of fire and brimstone alone, who has no room for mistakes, or the other extreme of love, who also does not punish at all. Just like our imperfect earthly fathers showed us love by discipline when we did wrong, so does God deal with us too, so we can share in His Holiness. He returns one day soon, and He comes to apply the principles of his kingdom, made known and revealed to us. This present earth, with all its treasures, will not be saved, but will be destroyed by fire. A new heaven and a new earth is coming, wherein righteousness reigns. Would you be a part of it? God's time of favour is here.