12.11: “Come, Let Us Adore Him”

 

Wednesday, December 11

“He will sit like a refiner of silver, burning away the dross. He will purify the Levites, refining them like gold and silver, so that they may once again offer acceptable sacrifices to the LORD.”

Malachi 3:3*

 

A spiritual journey is never a straight line. There are always twists and turns and it’s easy to go off in the wrong direction if you aren’t paying attention. The Israelites had suffered the long exile in Babylon and had finally been allowed to return to their homeland to rebuild their lives as God’s people. But as new generations came along, the spiritual health of the people again began to decline, and they no longer cared about worshiping God or living godly lives. Corruption, complacency and sin invaded even the priesthood, and so God called the prophet Malachi to warn the Jews and call them to repentance. But along with the warning of judgment came God’s merciful promise of new beginnings. There would be cleansing and reconciliation for those who turned back to God.

Our spiritual journey continues today, and even though our world seems to be straying in the wrong direction, our hope is sure because of the birth of God’s Son. Thanks be to God for the refining and reconciliation we are offered through Jesus Christ.

 

Prayer:

Lord, our world desperately needs to know your great mercy and love. In these days of Advent, we wait with eager anticipation for your coming. Amen

Francie Winslow