A Reflection for Friday, December 6, 2024 by Rev. Sandy De Jesus
Lectionary reading for 12/6/2024: Luke 1:68-79; Malachi 3:13-18; Philippians 1:18b-26;
Selected passage for reflection: Malachi 3:13-18
Read
Malachi 3:13-18 Christian Standard Bible
The Righteous and the Wicked
13 “Your words against me are harsh,” says the Lord.
Yet you ask, “What have we spoken against you?”
14 You have said, “It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping his requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Armies? 15 So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.”
16 At that time those who feared the Lord spoke to one another. The Lord took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before him for those who feared the Lord and had high regard for his name. 17 “They will be mine,” says the Lord of Armies, “my own possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. 18 So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.
Reflect
A father sits at the hospital bed of his son, wondering how this horrific accident could have happened. Down the hall a young mother clings to life, the victim of a terrible crime. Families feel like their lives are being crushed even after they have strived to be faithful, and they ask: Why? What’s the use?
Words of frustration or despair expressed by the people to the prophet of God seem to echo through the years. We hear these words from a friend whose marriage is falling apart. We hear them from the individuals to whom we minister. Those words echo in our own thoughts when we see others being oppressed, dismissed, forgotten, while the oppressors continue to prosper. When justice feels in short supply, and when our efforts seem to bear no fruit.
It is in this advent season that we are reminded that God is a God of hope.
In this passage, the prophet Malachi describes how God responded to his followers, then and now: - The Lord took notice and listened - The Lord recorded their hurts - The Lord reminded them of his care for them.‘”They will be mine,” says the Lord of Armies, ‘my own possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him.’”
Malachi continues with the promise that there will be a reckoning, a time when wrongs are made right, and when our through God is realized.
“Oh God, help using our fear and confusion, in our uncertainty and grief in our despair and longing.
Infuse us with a hope that doesn’t make sense,with a love that doesn’t add up,and with joy enough to endure the long, long nights,as we wait in hope for thy kingdom come.”
-- Kate Bowler
Respond
Reflect on times when you have felt despair over ongoing injustice. Ask God to remind you of the hope you have through faith.
Questions for reflection or journaling: - Where did you see God in the midst of your suffering?
- How did your time of suffering draw you closer to God and to others?
- How can you partner in ministry to ease the suffering of others?
Rest
God of compassion, help me see with your eyes as I look at the suffering around me. Thank you for your care in my life and for how you connect me to those around me through your love and grace. Amen.
About the Author
Sandra De Jesus is an ordained reverend with the Federation of Christian Ministries. She currently works as a chaplain at a Level I trauma center in Phoenix, Arizona.
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