The previous article began to look at human and divine perspectives on justice. However, there’s a recurring problem with seeking justice (or wanting evil people to be punished). As we understand what sin means, in contrast to a perfectly holy God, we should eventually realize that we are also sinful.
Now, even in Old Testament times, there was a difference between those who were righteous and faithful (even if they still sinned sometimes), and those who were not. Today, we understand redemption through Jesus Christ even more than what was revealed before then, but there is still an expectation for Jesus’ disciples – His followers – to live like He did, and to follow His teachings. This stands in contrast to a lifestyle of religion that gives lip service to God but behaves quite contrary to His perfect commandments (meant for both our well-being, and that of others).
However, let’s look at what the Lord promised to do for His people, as prophesied back in Malachi (several centuries before Jesus’ first-century ministry started).
But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver; he will purify the Levites and refine them like gold and silver. Then the LORD will have men who will bring offerings in righteousness, and the offerings of Judah and Jerusalem will be acceptable to the LORD, as in days gone by, as in former years.
Malachi 3:2-4 NIV
Now, we might not want to vacation in a refinery’s furnace, nor do we relish the idea of getting our stains scrubbed out (like when a parent has to clean out dirt from a child’s scrape). However, remember that a refiner or launderer’s goal is not to destroy something, but rather to remove the contamination from it. In the same way, we must remember that God’s purpose for us is not to destroy us (despite our sins), but rather to clean us up and get rid of what contaminates us, leaving us pure and clean.
In Malachi’s time, the Levites needed to be straightened out. Then, they could presumably lead the people towards God, rather than just “phoning it in” and offering blemished sacrifices. Once the religious leaders were purified (whether this was God weeding out those who were not being faithful, or God refining their hearts internally), then offerings in the temple could be made worthwhile again, honoring God to the credit of those who sought to respect Him.
So, it was good news that even the mess that people in Malachi 2 had gotten themselves into could be cleaned with God’s help (rather than just abandoning a people who had turned away from Him to destruction). And God can do the same for you, by helping you become righteous despite your shortcomings, whether through the salvation that already paid for your sins, or through the process of helping you become more like Jesus Christ – and His righteousness – every day. After all, He is doing that for me and countless others, and I’m confident that He can do so for you, also.
When things aren’t going well, let’s look up and consider whether God might be using trials to help us grow. This doesn’t mean that everything bad that happens to us is being used by Him to get rid of sin in our lives (although there are times when that is the case). Sometimes, He is helping us strengthen our faith and other virtues, by allowing us to be tested. Regardless of why God has allowed you to be where you are today, though, remember that He loves us, and while a loving parent – including God – sometimes needs to administer discipline, He is refining and cleaning us, rather than trying to destroy us.
From Sunday School lesson prepared for August 25, 2024
References:
- The Lookout, August, 2024, © 2024 Christian Standard Media.
- Scripture taken from the Holy Bible, NEW INTERNATIONAL VERSION®, NIV® Copyright © 1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.® Used by permission. All rights reserved worldwide.
- Scripture quotations taken from the NASB. Copyright by The Lockman Foundation.
- The College Press NIV Commentary – Minor Prophets Vol. 2 Nahum-Malachi, by Mark Allen Hahlen and Clay Alan Ham. © 2006 College Press Publishing Co.
Those Who Sin Differently 