Malachi 3:7-4:6
Dear RTB’ers,
Today we finish Malachi, closing with more promises from the Lord, judgment upon the arrogant and exaltation for those who fear Him. The word “fear” pops up three times in today’s reading: …those who feared the LORD… twice in Mal. 3:16 and …you who fear My name… in Mal. 4:2. We have noted before that “fear” used in this context is nothing akin to being afraid, but is something closer to respect or adoration even. I would expect that those of us reading Malachi today would fall in that category. And when we gather together later today, we will be acting in the same manner as those faithful Jews, …those who feared the LORD spoke with one another …and esteemed His name. (v. 3:16) Looking forward to that!
Blessings.
See also: September 18 (2023) / Ezra 4:6-23; Malachi (again).
Hmmm… I’m afraid that I have to voice some disagreement with Fred on this one in regard to the meaning of “fear.” I get where Fred is coming from in that we need to run toward God and not away from Him, but I daresay that in our culture, where most people say that they believe in God (in some form or another) and yet do whatever they please, a little real terror of the Almighty would not go amiss. For a bit more on this topic, see my post for July 12 (2022) / Proverbs 15:18-33.