June 8, 2013 Treasured Possession

Read Malachi 3-4 Treasured Possession Mal 3:17-18 “They will be mine,” says the LORD Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” AT THE END of the Old Testament readings, you could call this Scripture a good summary of the history of mankind to this point. From the Garden of Eden through the Great Flood, God’s calling of Abraham, the Egypt Exodus, the establishing of God’s people in the Promised Land, the developing power of Israel, Israel’s exile into Babylon, and God’s restoration of his people to their homeland, it is clear. There is a “distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” Those who have been wicked, living lives in disobedience to God have been cast aside. God has judged them and turned his face from them. Those who have been righteous, living lives in obedience to God have been welcomed into his presence. He has honored them with his blessing of his presence. As you continue to read and enter into the New Testament, you will see God come to earth and in his Son, Jesus Christ, he will call his people to righteous living. That call continues today. God’s Word is his call to you to turn from wickedness to righteousness. You might say, “I’m not wicked. I’m a good person.” But God’s Word tells you that any sin you commit of any size is wickedness and “There is no one righteous, not even one.” (Rom 3:10) The only way you become righteous is by God’s grace of salvation poured out to you. Give thanks to God that he offers this to you. Turn to him in faith. Confess your sins. Accept Jesus as Lord. Live a righteous life. You will be his treasured possession. It’s True! There is a distinction between the righteous and the wicked. Which are you?