99 Days to Pentecost: Day 27

Day 27 - March 12, 2021

Malachi 4:6 (Read Full Chapter)
“He will turn the hearts of the fathers back to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and strike the land with complete destruction.”
 
“Judgement or Restoration”
Written by Pastor John Lee
 
Through 4,000 years of history the city of Jerusalem has been the focal point for Judaism, Christianity, and Islam. Jerusalem is where the first and second temples were built, where Jesus carried the cross to Calvary, and where some believed Abraham was called to sacrifice Isaac.It will eventually be the location where the judgement of God will come during the Day of the LORD. Strangely enough all three religions hold that the Golden Gate by the Eastern wall would be the place where judgment takes place. Today the Holy City remains divided into four quadrants among Christians’ (Northwest), Armenians (Southwest), Muslims (Northeast), and the Jews (Southeast).
 
As Christian’s we read that Jesus entered through the Golden Gate on Palm Sunday fulfilling the prophecy of the Messiah (Ezekiel 44:1-3). For Jews the gate will be the location where the Messiah has yet to come through with Elijah preceding (v.5). And for Muslims that gate is called the Gate of Eternal Life and is associated with the Day of Judgement. This gate was sealed by Muslims during the Ottoman Empire in hopes to prevent the Messiah from entering. More so, they’ve built a cemetery in front of the gate to prevent Elijah from entering. Nevertheless, when I visited the city with my wife we were surprised to find the old city filled with merchants and shopkeepers trying to sell tourist trinkets, incense, scarves, and various items. It seemed like for most people the day of judgement was not a concern.
 
However, Malachi ends with a final warning that the day is coming like a burning furnace. That those who remain in arrogance and wickedness will be completely uprooted while those who fear His name will rise with healing in its wings (v.1-2). For those who remain in God we can be secure in knowing that God will bring about restoration in His Judgement – that He will turn the hearts of fathers back to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers (v.6).

Prayer: Heavenly Father, my heart becomes uneasy when I think of your judgement. May I humbly embrace your warnings and remember your words. Help me to live in a way that honors you and fears you and you alone. In Jesus’ name we pray, amen.
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