See, I am sending my messenger to prepare the way before me, and the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple. Malachi 3: 1
To the ancient peoples the idea that God was going to send a messenger would have been met with great fear. They certainly understood from their past experience that whenever God sent an emissary that something was about to happen. I think as we read this passage today we forget about the fear factor. And I think that fear factor is important.
God is sending a messenger and this messenger doesn’t come without a real and vital purpose, so it must mean that I am going to be challenged. I am about to be asked to look at my world and my place in it and to recognize that some changes will need to take place. Where perhaps I have become all consumed by my daily rushing about with my life and have allowed doubt and worry to overwhelm me, I am once again being reminded of the need to pause and connect again with the Divine Spirit that is reaching out to speak with words I have needed to hear. I am to be reminded that the comforter is always walking with me at this any every moment. For me, the messenger says, be not afraid, but remember the healing presence of God is always as close as your very next thought.
When I think of the messenger I am reminded that we are to be each day of the year challenged to discover God’s beautiful and life-changing message of unconditional love, grace and salvation that is being offered. At last it is possible to let go of our anxiety, emerge from the darkness of doubt and to walk boldly with God’s unfolding and mysterious Spirit, awakening still new revelations of this perfect presence. What may have begun in fear gives way as the messenger reminds me to look, to see, and to understand that God has always been with me, even though my vision has been clouded and dimmed by feelings of being all alone. Jesus is always right here and walking me through the valley of the shadow of my doubts and leading me back to the healing still waters of new life and possibility.
The message has been given, the stage has been set, it is now up to me to decide which path I choose to take.
Prayer: Thank you God for reminding us that we are never alone for your loving presence is always right where we are at this and every moment.
Rev. Jefferson Beeker
http://jefferson340.wix.com/index
We live our lives one thought at a time. Let each of those thoughts really count for something wonderful.
Be prepared to change your thinking and change your life.
Follow me on Twitter @jeffersonbeeker for daily affirmations of uplifting and positive faith.