Saturday 14 December 2024

Psalm 18:1-19

Background
I can almost hear people reading today’s passage saying, "I wish I had the energy and joy to leap like a calf from its stall!" It's such a wonderful picture of joy and freedom.

During this past week, the readings have contained a number of prophecies, words from God, of both judgement and hope. This continues today as the prophet Malachi speaks about the Day of the Lord. This was anticipated by Israel as the day when God would usher in his reign over all the earth and exalt Israel his people. However, for the prophets it was a day of judgement (eg Amos 5:18-20).

For Malachi it would be both; he uses the metaphor of an oven burning, when the ‘arrogant’ and ‘evildoers’ will be burnt up like stubble. But for those who revere God, the Day of the Lord will be like the rising of the sun in the morning, a day of joy and healing.

Righteousness in this passage means God’s salvation or rescue and the gift of abundant life God brings. The sun and its rays (‘wings’) both burn up the wicked and bring salvation to God’s faithful people. They do not need to fear the wicked because God will have dealt with them. No wonder they will leap for joy.

Although these words bring a stark warning to God’s people when they are unfaithful, Malachi makes it clear that God has not given up on them. They are urged to remember the teaching of Moses and the commandments. And God promises to send a prophet to them: "I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and terrible day of the Lord comes." (v. 5)

Yesterday we looked at the ‘messenger’ God would send to his people, to prepare the way before the Lord. Today he is named as Elijah. Elijah was an important prophet in the 9th century BC and Malachi wrote in the 5th century BC. In 2 Kings 2:11 Elijah was taken up to heaven in a whirlwind and he was expected to return to prepare the nation for the Day of the Lord. In Matthew 11:14, Jesus says of John the Baptist, "If you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come."

To Ponder:

• "God had not given up on them." How does it feel to know that God has not given up on you?
• Advent is a time to reflect on our relationship with God and it's an opportunity to put things right. Is there something you need to do or pray about to realign your life with God’s loving purposes for you?

Prayer
Lord, thank you that you are faithful and that you do not give up on me. Help me this Advent to know you and to follow you more closely. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Kate Cambridge
Kate is a presbyter in the Winchester Eastleigh and Romsey Circuit. In her free time she enjoys doing laundry (!), spending time with her family and wrestling ball point pens off her miniature poodle.