It appears at first to make no sense!

It appears at first to make no sense!

In the book of Malachi, the prophet Malachi deals with a topic which is difficult for most Christians to make sense of. In our world today there are many people who do not believe in the Lord Almighty. They have a connection to this worldly life that does not include honoring or worshiping God. Even though this is their mindset and belief they still seem to flourish and prosper in their lives. To a believer this appears to go against what should be happening to these individuals who do not acknowledge God as Creator, Savior, and Spirit from on High, God in three persons, the blessed Trinity.

One would think such unbelieving people should not be enjoying success and prosperity in their lives, but instead be dealing with the God’s displeasure and rebuke. That is the case if we were just talking about this earthly life being the end. But the truth of the matter is that this life is not the end, and the Lord will judge rightly when all things come to a close.

Jesus’ condemners seem to have been on the much more beneficial side of the success verses failure scenario when they persecuted and put Christ to death on the cross. They were able to flourish and continue to enjoy being able to hold onto their power and prestige before the people. As Malachi puts it in 3:15, “And now we call the arrogant blessed. Evildoers not only prosper but they put God to the test and they escape.”

If we use what happened to Jesus as the basis for our understanding of how God works in this world, then what we may see on the surface, certainly might not be the complete story. Christ did not fail nor did those who crucified our Lord find blessings in their so-called success. For to deny Jesus, as God’s Son, and Lord and Savior of all, casts eternal condemnation on those who would profess such unbelief.

Jesus said He came that they (we as believers) may have life and have it abundantly. In Him there is a life which is wonderful and full beyond measure. For us to know we have the blessing of eternal life in Christ’s saving work brings with it great joy now and into everlasting glory. Let us not be deceived nor discouraged by what we see taking place in this earthly realm. Instead, let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, and let us fix our eyes on Jesus the founder and perfecter of our faith, who for the joy that was set before Him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is seated at the right hand of the throne of God. When we do that dear friends things will definitely make sense and appear much clearer!!!!!!! Pastor McCarty