Malachi 2:17-3:5
Every church experiences troubling times, and we can all agree that Christianity in the new century with its constant change has been challenging, to say the least. We minister in a tension between a longing to see God judge the wicked and the heartbreak of knowing what that judgment entails. It is hard to pray, “Lord, come quickly” when we know that there are people around us who still need Christ. In the Book of Malachi, we find a people who want God’s judgement to be poured out on others, but are blind to their own wickedness. Our text gives us several powerful insights into God's judgment and what it means for the church.
God will judge.
In times of trouble, it's easy to question God's justice. The people in Malachi's time were no different. They wondered why the wicked seemed to prosper while the righteous suffered. But here's the key: God's judgment is perfect. We may not always understand it, and we can't rush it. What we can do is trust in His perfect timing and wisdom. This should both comfort us when we long for justice and motivate us as we realize our world’s desperate need for the transformation which can only come from Christ.
God will judge in His time.
Malachi prophesied about a messenger who would prepare the way for the Lord's coming. This reminds us that God's judgment isn't random; it's part of a divine plan. While we may not know exactly when judgment will occur, we can be confident that God's purpose is unfolding. As Israel longed for the Messiah’s coming, we too long for God’s plan to unfold. However, we should not waste the time that we have during our season of waiting. We have been commissioned to continue the mission of daily going into all the world making disciple-making disciples. Yes, God has a plan to judge in the future, and that plan will be accomplished. He also has a plan for our churches for today, so why aren’t we doing it?
God will judge for our good.
When we think of judgment, we might envision destruction. However, Malachi compares God's judgment to a refiner's fire. It's not about devastation; it's about purification. Just as a forest fire can lead to new growth, God's judgment refines us and brings spiritual growth. Many churches that are plateaued or declining honestly need some time in the refiner’s fire. Seasons of discipline and pain can bring churches to the place of humility and God-centeredness which is required for health. Sinful attitudes, pride, and selfishness must be dealt with before a church experiences revitalization, and we cannot expect God to bless our efforts if we refuse to submit to the purifying work of the Holy Spirit.
God will judge those that he loves.
We often wish for God to judge the wicked, but Malachi reminds us that God's judgment is personal. It's not just about others; it includes self-examination. The passage lists various sins, highlighting that God's judgment applies to everyone, even those who claim to be believers. We must be cautious when calling for judgment on others and focus on our own lives and faith. We praise God for His grace shown to us by judging our sin at Calvary, but our justification is no excuse for neglecting our sanctification. Just as Paul called the church in Corinth to judge themselves when they remembered the Lord’s Supper, we are called once again to proactively seek holiness as we submit to the sanctifying work of the Holy Spirit.
Applying the Text to Church Revitalization
So, how can we apply these insights to church revitalization?
Trust in God's Timing: When your church faces challenges, remember that God's judgment is perfect. Trust in His wisdom and don't rush His timing.
Embrace God's Plan: Just as Malachi prophesied, God has a plan for your church's renewal. Seek His guidance and stay committed to His purpose.
Find Purpose in Challenges: View the difficulties your church faces as opportunities for growth and purification. Just as a forest fire can lead to new life, challenges can lead to spiritual growth.
Self-Examination: Instead of calling for judgment on others, focus on your own life and faith. Ensure that you're aligning with God's will and living a life that honors Him.
In your church revitalization journey, remember that God's judgment is not a distant concept. It's part of our spiritual growth, and it begins with personal reflection. By understanding and applying the wisdom of Malachi, we can contribute to the renewal of our church communities and our own spiritual lives. God's perfect judgment, planned purpose, and personal evaluation are keys to church revitalization and spiritual growth.