“So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him” (Malachi 3:18 NASB).
Malachi chapter 3 starts with the phrase “Behold, I am going to send My messenger, and he will clear the way before Me” (Malachi 3:1). When I see “messenger” in Scripture, I know that there is a connection to the High Priest of the Order of Melchizedek – Messiah Yeshua – and to His kings and priests. According to the 11Q13 fragment of the Dead Sea Scrolls, the messenger is anointed of the Spirit and brings good news as well as announces peace, salvation, and dominion on earth passing to the righteous sons of Light. Furthermore, the congregation of the sons of righteousness heeds the messenger.
Salvation and the passing of dominion to the righteous sons of light is the theme of Malachi chapters 3 and 4. The first question asked is: Who can endure the day of His coming? If you read on, you receive the message: It’s the refined, like silver, purified priests who present pleasing offering in righteousness. They are the ones who will endure His coming. When YHVH draws near in judgment, He will distinguish between the righteous and the wicked in His eyes. How will we know the righteous and the wicked? Malachi 3:18 reveals one who serves God and one who does not.
When God draws near in judgment, it says in Malachi 3:5 that He will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, the adulterers, those who swear falsely (those who lie), and those who oppress. That the Lord singles out these characteristics should bring a holy reverence into our lives where we walk circumspectly.
If we want to be counted among the righteous sons of light, we need to guard against practicing sorcery, which is the use of a power gained from the assistance or control of evil spirits. Basically, this is any power derived outside the confines of the perfect will and heart of the Heavenly Father. We need to guard against being a person who commits adultery. We need to guard against asserting something is true when it is not. In other words, stop lying and believing lies. We need to guard against burdening or crushing someone, spiritually or mentally, by abuse of power and authority.
When I say “we need to guard against” the things listed in Malachi 3:5, we not only need to keep ourselves from doing these things, but we also need to make sure that we do not come into agreement with people that do. Remember, we are called to be as wise as serpents (know the enemy), and to be as innocent as doves.
“Lest Satan should take advantage of us; for we are not ignorant of his devices” (2 Cor. 2:11 NKJV). Love, wisdom, and forgiveness are key. Don’t forget that confession and repentance is always available to those who humble themselves.
May you and yours be able to endure His coming and be able to stand when He appears.
Give em heaven!!!
Robin Main
Written June 26, 2023 – Sapphire Throne Ministries – Robin Main. Copyrighted – If you are going to copy this, please copy it right by giving attributions to this source. Blessings!
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PHOTO by Sergio Tapiro Fotografía / Photography @tapirofoto
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