Maranatha - Come Lord Jesus

Press the play button to watch the video above or press 'more' to read the transcript of the daily devotion below. Please read Malachi 2:17-3:5 (use your own Bible or use the link above to access the in-App Bible).

Christmas is almost here and we have probably already been to Christmas events, even though it’s Advent. We can be weary at this point as well as excited. Weary because through all the celebrations there’s a lot to do, particularly if we are entertaining family this year. We may be facing travel. I can remember the years when we toured the country trying to see our family, conscious that we had been called to live far from them.

So, it was for the people as Malachi addresses them. The excitement of the restoration has become a weariness that things don’t seem to have changed and there’s even a hint at the beginning of today’s passage that God has abandoned them.

‘Where is the God of justice?’ Malachi speaks into this situation with clarity. There will be a messenger to proclaim the Messiah. Then, the promise that the One who is awaited will come. So far, good news and what the people need to hear.

But love, mercy and truth come with judgement and we need to be committed to the Lord. Messiah will come but those who have strayed from the Lord’s ways will face judgement.

These are true Advent themes. There is rightly excitement at the hope of the coming Christ, and all Christians should pray ‘Maranatha’ Come Lord Jesus! - return to set your people free. Yet, we need also this day to have hearts that are truly turned to the Lord and seeking His ways desiring to be the people whom He calls us to be.

In these last hours and days before Christmas try to find a time to pray with longing for the coming of the Lord. That He may ‘be born again in us today’ for the time we spend on earth. For those who do not know Him, that they may take this opportunity to respond. Then, with longing for His return in glory that all shall be well and that the God who desires us to be close to Him will return us to His heart of love.