wickedness – Page 2 – Be Still…

Malachi 4:1-6 – Judgment Day

Read Malachi 4:1-6

This is the last chapter of the Old Testament. That fact alone gives me goosebumps as I write this reflection. There will be a huge gap of time (400 years or so) between this writing and the New Testament. The people would have to wait a long time to see some of these prophecies fulfilled.

This prophecy would have given the faithful hope for the future. Like today, there were those obedient to God and his decrees in Malachi’s day. The unfaithful probably turned the other way and ignored Malachi altogether, in denial of their coming peril. People still refuse to listen to God’s word. This prophecy is no exception.

Zechariah 5:5-11 – Wickedness Contained

Read Zechariah 5:5-11

Another interesting vision to contemplate, brought to us by the prophet, Zechariah. This time he sees a bushel basket full of wickedness. I love the creativity God uses to make his intentions known. He doesn’t just use words! So, what message did this vision bring to you?

Did you find it interesting that wickedness was personified as a woman? In chapter 17 of the book of Revelation, John sees evil as the “great prostitute.” Now I have a picture of that woman in the container! And then, out of nowhere, two women with long, graceful wings enter the scene to take the wicked one away into the clouds. Without any explanation, such a vision would be a bit unsettling. We’re not given much enlightenment either.

1 Peter 3:18-22 – What Jesus Did For You

Read 1 Peter 3:18-22

Peter reminds us that Jesus suffered for us. He had lived that reality being so close to the events of Jesus’ beating, crucifixion, and death. For people that hadn’t been so involved in that story, Peter shared.

Death entered this world because of sin. But Jesus never sinned. Jesus died for us — sinners — so that we could find our way home and have a relationship with our heavenly Father. That’s the message the world needs to hear. But Jesus didn’t stay dead.