“And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” Malachi 3:18
All I could think about was…’Whew!!!! It sure is HOT out here!’ Mid June in South Florida tends to remind me of blessings I had just experienced. Like with SO many examples in life, I reap the benefit AFTER the benefit has passed. Which proves the saying true! “You don’t know what you’ve got ‘til it’s gone!” Sweating faster than my clothes could absorb, I welcomed summer!
Now I’m not complaining! Just stating facts. When mid June hits, the sun comes out with all of its power, humidity rises, the rains fall and the grass grows! It is the season of life in the heat! And SOMEONE needs to get out there and gut the grass down to size. That someone is me. I’m the grass cuttin’ guy. So donning proper attire to protect from the rays of the sun, sweat and dirt…I sallied forth with the mission in mind!
Katie tells me I look OK no matter what I wear. That is until I put on my grass cutting attire. I think she describes it as “ICK!” But I’m not trying to win a fashion award. I just want to get through the process without getting a nasty sunburn or faint from heatstroke! Besides, I am told, at my age, that exercise is GOOD for me! Though I think my Doctor may be a sadist!
In the heat of the sun I personally have several distinct advantages. I have a swimming pool and air conditioning in my house and truck. So while the heat may rise to uncomfortable levels, it won’t take long for ME to get some relief. As long as I remember to prepare appropriately for the coming elements.
The Book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament. Interestingly enough, it is a book that ends with a curse! For centuries God had given His chosen people warnings about the do’s and don’t of what it would take to REMAIN His special people. Unfortunately, Israel’s claim in Malachi 3:14 sums up their attitude with, “It is futile to serve God.” Which pretty much guarantees, in Chapter 4, that there is a MAJOR HEAT WAVE a comin’!
These days, It IS getting hot out there! And in more ways than one. It seems that each day brings more creative approaches by individuals to demand their own selfish ways…as if they are entitled or deserve better than what they have. This leads to an ultimate end that, God says, WILL sort out the special from the common.
When God has had enough He will turn on the heat by sending His Son. In other words, if I think it’s hot NOW…I need to remember that it is only going to get hotter. And the way I need to prepare for THAT day is to ‘Serve Him’ well HERE…today! I’m putting on my hat as I write! What are YOU serving?
