And so we bring another year to a close. It has been a year of trials and difficulties for me, but God has been merciful and gracious to see me through. I will praise His name and thank Him for everything He has done for me. I hope that I have blessed people through the course of this year, both through this blog I write and through interactions with me in person. I pray that God’s Spirit will guide my actions in the coming year so that I may bring glory to His name.
I am using One Year Bible Online for my daily Bible study. For today, One Year Bible Online links here. I have found that by writing this daily blog of what I see when I read these scriptures, I get more out of them. I hope that by posting these ruminations others may get some benefit as well. In order to make that possible I read the passages and write my thoughts a day in advance. If you have any thoughts or comments regarding these verses or what I have written about them, please post them.
The prophet tells the Israelites that the Messiah they are looking for will soon come. However, he warns them that it will not be a time of unmitigated joy. Rather it will be a time when they are tested as the Messiah will be like a refiner’s fire which purifies silver. The people will be put on trial and those who do not fear the Lord and do evil will face justice. The prophet gives a list of examples of the offenses for which people will need to answer: sorcery, adultery, lying, cheating employees out of their wages, oppressing widows and orphans, denying foreigners justice.
The prophet calls on people to repent. Now is the time to return to the Lord, before He brings His day of judgment. Let us stop cheating the Lord of the tithes and offerings which are due to Him. If we put God first in our lives, He will bless us. God is calling on us to give Him from our wealth, but He requires more than that. We are to serve Him and not lift up for admiration those who do evil. The day of God’s judgment is coming and those who are arrogant and wicked will be burned up on that day. While those who fear the Lord will be blessed. Those who fear the Lord should speak with others who fear the Lord and seek to serve Him in all we do. He will hear our words and know our hearts. Then He will make those who fear Him His people.
John completes his letter by reminding us that Jesus will be returning soon. The time when people will be repaid for their deeds is not far removed, time is short. Those who have washed themselves in the blood of the Lamb will be permitted to enter into the City of God and eat from the fruit of the tree of life. Those who continue to wallow in their sin will remain outside and not be able to experience the blessings of God’s new creation.
God’s Spirit and the Bride of the Lamb say, “Come”. If we hear their word, let us repeat it and say to those we meet, “Come.” Those who are thirsty for God’s righteousness are invited to come and drink of the river of life. Anyone who desires may freely drink of the river of life. I will not place obstacles in their path (not that I am capable of doing so). Time is running short, let us make sure to call to those who will listen so that they may come to know the Lord.
What a wonderful psalm to end the year on. I will praise the Lord and call on everything that has breath to praise the Lord. I will praise His mighty works and His unequaled greatness, no one and nothing is as great as our God. I will praise Him with every means at my disposal.
Remember that charm is deceptive and beauty does not last. Our first priority should be on character. I will thank the Lord that He has given me a wife who has all three, but I will never forget to value character the most.