Daily Devotional for Sunday, December 28

Remember the Law of Moses

“Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments,” Malachi 4:4.

While it is certain we can do nothing to change what is in the past, let us not make the mistake of thinking the past is unimportant. Before a doctor treats a patient there must be an accounting of the patient’s medical history. This information will include past medical conditions, procedures, medications, family records and so forth. Without an accurate accounting of yesterday, we may make mistakes today.  

            The prophet Malachi understood the importance of remembering what had been established in the past. The statutes and judgments of the Lord are the foundation of God’s dealings with His people, in particular, and with humanity in general. If they are forgotten, the compass of holiness and morality will be feelings of men rather than the commandments of God. Much of the spiritual decline being experienced in our country today is a result of forgetting the Law of the Lord.

            However, Malachi was not a historian, at least in the conventional sense of the word. Malachi was a prophet of God. He wrote history in advance, before it happened! In Malachi 4:5 we read, “Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.” The Elijah like figure announced by Malachi was none other than John the Baptist, the way-paver for Jesus the Messiah. Malachi’s prophecy came four hundred years in advance of John’s arrival, yet, it was as sure as if it had already transpired!

            As the new year approaches, what a great time to pause and reflect on history and prophecy. Look back on the wonderful blessings of God. Remember His Word and its faithfulness to plot the course for our hearts and feet. Then, look forward to what God has in store for the church and imagine what part He will allow you to play in this coming year.

CONSIDER THIS

What spiritual goals have you set and accomplished in the past twelve months?

John Nations