Wednesday 24th June | Precious Olu
Readings
Reflection
At the beginning of Malachi 3 we were told of a messenger who was to come, we know this messenger now to be John the Baptist. He lived most of his life passionately preaching and baptising individuals as he prepared them for the coming of Christ. He knew it was his duty to provide the truth to people despite what others might have thought of him. His bold character can be an inspiration to us all.
Verse 2, is another reminder that emphasises the fact that we don’t know when the second coming of Jesus will take place therefore we should remain ready at all times. Verse 5 tells us how God will bring justice for those who are suffering in anyway and how we should in all circumstances but our faith and trust in God despite all the inequalities of the world.
While reading this passage, I was reminded of how God has always taken care of his children on earth. By sending messengers such as John the Baptist and there are others till this day whom we can say God has called to be messengers on this earth, spreading the good news and preparing others for the coming of Jesus. I know we can all be messengers in our own way whilst using the gifts and talents God has given us. God will take care of use therefore we should continue to be the hope and light the world needs in these difficult times in spreading the truth and power of God’s word.
At the end of verse 6 God says “return to me, and I will return to you”. Let us always remember that God never fails to bring his children home!
Prayers
Dear heavenly Father,
We thank you for sending your Son.
We thank you for the messengers you send who are bold about speaking your truth.
We pray by your grace, that you will help us to be the lights and hope of the world that you call us to be.
We pray for the hopeless and oppressed, that they will feel your comfort and love at all times.
We ask you will continue to help us be inspired in speaking out your word and truth.
Help us to forever love one another as you have loved us.
In Jesus’ name we pray.
Amen.
Collect
Almighty God,
By whose providence your servant John the Baptist
Was wonderfully born,
And send to prepare the way of your Son our Saviour
By the preaching of repentance:
Lead us to repent according to his preaching and, after his example,
Constantly to speak the truth, boldly to rebuke vice,
And patiently to suffer for the truth’s sake;
Through Jesus Christ your Son our Lord,
Who is alive and reigns with you,
In the unity of the Holy Spirit,
One God, now and for ever.
Amen.
