“'Yes, I’m on my way to visit you with Judgment. I’ll present compelling evidence against sorcerers, adulterers, liars, those who exploit workers, those who take advantage of widows and orphans, those who are inhospitable to the homeless anyone and everyone who doesn’t honor me.' A Message from God-of-the-Angel-Armies" (Malachi 3:5, The Message).
God's judgement is coming; it is inevitable. It is also inescapable. I know that you might have heard this before, but I want you to know that it is true. Men and women alike will come under it. Young or old, rich or poor, educated or non-literate, all shall be visited by God’s judgement. The Bible tells us clearly that the House of God will be the first to come under the fire. So we know that pastors will not be exempted - whether they come with the title of bishop, prophet,
apostle or reverend would not matter. Of course the congregation they lead will also be individually visited by the searching eyes of the all-seeing God.
God says He has compelling evidence to present against those who live in ways that are not pleasing to Him. Then He mentions some of them - the "sorcerers, adulterers, liars, those who exploit workers, those who take advantage of widows and orphans, those who are inhospitable to the homeless". Because the list is inconclusive, the Bible says "anyone and everyone who doesn’t honor" God is included.
I will not attempt to discuss the items on that list and the possible additions. Every one knows what kind of life he or she is living. The liar knows when he is not telling the truth. The adulterer knows that the lady in bed with him is not his wife, even if she bears the same name with his lawfully wedded wife. The employer cruising about in his luxury car knows that his employees have not been paid for months.
Every man is first convicted by his conscience and it is our personal duty to cooperate with our conscience.
But the mercy of God will always preceed divine judgement. I am persuaded that this is the season of mercy, and that God in His mercy is sending His word to us to help us that we may amend our ways.
Please understand that there is no such thing as getting away with any evil you have done. God's justice demands that each man answers for whatever he has done and that judgement be served appropriately. The only way out is true repentance and genuine commitment to live a life that honours God.
Honouring God is the business of every living, irrespective of culture, colour or creed. The created is under obligation to honour the Creator at all times in thought, word and deed. Anything to the contrary is tantamount to rebellion against the Lord God. Whatever your philosophy or belief, don't be caught on the side of rebellion against God in this world or in the next.
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