THE JUDGEMENT OF THE ALMIGHTY (8 OF 9)
by Scott Maze
Scripture: Malachi 3:18, Malachi 4:1-3
This content is part of a series.
The Judgement of the Almighty (8 of 9)
Series: Majoring in the Minors
Scott Maze
Malachi 3:18-4:3
It is widely regarded as one of the best films of all time, Shawshank Redemption was released nearly thirty years ago in 1994. It became an instant classic telling the tale of an innocent man in prison who eventually gains his freedom through a satisfying escape plan. And if watched any TV in the past thirty years or so, you might recognize the image on the screens. It’s a cross-stitch panel hanging prominently in the office of Warden Norton, the warden of Shawshank Prison, where Andy Dufrense serves his life imprisonment. The cross-stitch is really ironic in the movie because it hides a secret safe. Inside the safe and behind the cross-stitch is where he keeps the record of his secret bank accounts, the record of his kickbacks, and embezzlement. So every time the warden puts the records in the safe, he is staring at the words, ‘‘His Judgement Cometh and That Right Soon!’’
As we continue our study of the book of Malachi, we arrive at a heavy subject, what the Bible calls the Day of Judgment. I invite you to find the book of Malachi 4 with me if you will [page 955 in your pew Bibles]. Too many Christians have done what the warden did, thinking we get a ‘‘free pass.’’
The ancient Jewish teachers in Jesus’ day thought they got a free pass because of their bloodline connection to Abraham (John 8:33). Some of us believe we will receive a ‘‘free pass’’ because of our excuses, our Christian heritage, or our good behavior. We fail to connect the dots between our behavior and God’s judgment when it stares us in the face, just like the warden.
Today’s Scripture
‘‘Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. 4:1 For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaz ...
Series: Majoring in the Minors
Scott Maze
Malachi 3:18-4:3
It is widely regarded as one of the best films of all time, Shawshank Redemption was released nearly thirty years ago in 1994. It became an instant classic telling the tale of an innocent man in prison who eventually gains his freedom through a satisfying escape plan. And if watched any TV in the past thirty years or so, you might recognize the image on the screens. It’s a cross-stitch panel hanging prominently in the office of Warden Norton, the warden of Shawshank Prison, where Andy Dufrense serves his life imprisonment. The cross-stitch is really ironic in the movie because it hides a secret safe. Inside the safe and behind the cross-stitch is where he keeps the record of his secret bank accounts, the record of his kickbacks, and embezzlement. So every time the warden puts the records in the safe, he is staring at the words, ‘‘His Judgement Cometh and That Right Soon!’’
As we continue our study of the book of Malachi, we arrive at a heavy subject, what the Bible calls the Day of Judgment. I invite you to find the book of Malachi 4 with me if you will [page 955 in your pew Bibles]. Too many Christians have done what the warden did, thinking we get a ‘‘free pass.’’
The ancient Jewish teachers in Jesus’ day thought they got a free pass because of their bloodline connection to Abraham (John 8:33). Some of us believe we will receive a ‘‘free pass’’ because of our excuses, our Christian heritage, or our good behavior. We fail to connect the dots between our behavior and God’s judgment when it stares us in the face, just like the warden.
Today’s Scripture
‘‘Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him. 4:1 For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaz ...
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