November 6 | Malachi 3:16-18; 4:1-6

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DAILY READING

Malachi 3:16-18

Malachi 4:1-6

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REFLECTION

Faithful Remnant

By Judy Webb

“Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard.” Malachi 3:16 (NIV)

This verse reminds me of one purpose for small groups…talking with each other. In a world that seldom connects deeply with one another, especially in person it is important we connect. We need to resurrect this concept of one anothering and learn how to live in a disconnected world. God’s word might be our only connection to one another and His truth.

The book of Malachi is short but packed with wisdom and direction for us. Chapter 1 tells us to give our hearts to God when worshipping; chapter 2 instructs priests to honor God, revere God, and be on our guard. Chapter 3 lays out the fact that when we return to Him, He will return to us. This chapter distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked. People were asking, “What’s the point?” It seems evil does prosper.

“There will come a day when the evil doer will be burned like stubble.” (Malachi 4:1)

We know there are days when it seems there is no good in the world. We feel doomed and desperate, and that is the perfect day to turn to God. Jesus shows us in His Word, there is still a higher purpose—and there is still power in prayer. The book of Malachi ends on a brighter note as we are reminded it was not the entire nation that turned away from God and the covenant he had made with them. Within the nation there was a faithful remnant of Jewish people who had not followed the way of the rest of the nation.

We would be blessed to note that even in our day, a time when Christ followers seem few and far between, there will be a faithful remnant—that group of believers who continue to pray, to plant, and to plow on through life with one main purpose. To be God’s treasured possessions.

1 Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession.”

Dear Father,

Show us when we doubt the faithful remnant among us. We may feel alone at times, and wonder if anyone still believes in Your Son. Give us courage and conviction to plow through all the doubt and see Your shining truth. Amen

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ABOUT THE AUTHOR

JUDY WEBB

I have been a member of UALC for 26 years and have been writing devotions for this site for about 17 of them. Writing is my passion. As retired staff I still love everything about UALC and its members including my small group.