Today’s scripture: Malachi 2:1-9 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Tammy Mills):
It isn’t just politicians who need to stay on message! This scripture is a wake-up call to the hierarchy of the church, which seems to have veered away from the message they were to teach the people. The result is curses of “poop.” (Personally, I love that scripture talks about “poop“ curses!*) They had let their followers down.
I have noticed lately, that my daughters, ages 8 and 9, have been making negative comments about Christians. They don’t want to call themselves Christian. They ask questions about why their friends would want to be Christian.
At Taylor’s bakery recently we were picking out a baptism cake for their little brother. They were appalled by all the cross cakes and what they termed “Christian-y” cakes. We finally settled on a cake with flowers that read “Celebrate Life!” They were adamant that their baby brother not be associated with Christianity, and they are really serious in their dislike.
As a Christian pastor, I was taken aback to find out my own flesh and blood was already rejecting my faith at such a young age! Turns out they weren’t rejecting my faith, but rather reacting to how the “Christian Church” treats their family. They want nothing to do with a faith that regularly discriminates and judges people. I can’t blame them.
I find myself wanting to declare “poop” curses on the Christian church for how they have mangled the message of the gospel and turned my daughters away from Christianity.
I wish the Church could see my daughters, and see how they live out the faith they are developing. I wish they could see how much they both treat others like Jesus. I wish they could see the sense of justice they both have. I wish they could see the tears in their eyes when someone they know or hear about faces discrimination or hate. Perhaps if they could see my girls, they would remember the message of Jesus and get back on message.
Thought for the day: Am I on message?
* if your preferred translation has been sanitized, read the King James Version.
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.