The Justice of Christmas
- In the previous chapters of Malachi God has made serious accusations against the people.
- God has charged the priest with not faithfully doing their duty.
- He has accused both the people and the priests of offering stolen sacrifices.
- God has accused them of having broken the covenant he had with their fathers.
- He as accused them of treating their wives treacherously. (unfaithfulness)
- And in the next section God accuses them of robbing Him by not tithing.
- So, it is pretty clear that their track record is not exactly squeaky clean in God’s eyes.
- Do we ever do this?
- Do we ever think that God is not dishing out justice the way we think He should?
- When Jesus comes it will be _________________ or _______________.
- The one they are seeking is coming, but he will not be what they are________________.
But in God’s wisdom, the one who comes to judge, also brings the _________ needed to stand up to the judgment
- Verse 5 starts with, “I will come to put you on Trial.”
- But this is referring to the ___________ of Jesus.
- So, the question for the people of Malachi’s day and ours is not does God bless the evil and wicked but do we live according to the ___________ and __________ of God, are we living in His______________?
- But He also comes to stand ready to judge us by the very means that__________ have used to judge the world.
- So, as we near Christmas let’s look at two things.
- Are we looking on others with contempt, thinking they are the wicked sinners?
- Are we following after the ways of God with all we have?
- What are ways we can Be the hands and feet of Jesus’ justice?