Leading Them Astray

 For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says the Lord Almighty. “So I have caused you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the law.

You have wearied the Lord with your words.

“How have we wearied him?” you ask.

By saying, “All who do evil are good in the eyes of the Lord, and he is pleased with them” or “Where is the God of justice?”

                                                                                                                    (Malachi 2:7-9,17 NIV)

Nothing has changed. The prophet Malachi warns the priests about their false teachings. They have led the people astray enabling the people to stumble by calling evil good.

Has anything changed? They knew then and we know today the difference between what is right and what is wrong; but, have all too often chosen the way that makes friends of the world rather than God.

Pr. J

Do Not Be Afraid To Do His Will

But after he had considered this, an angel of the Lord appeared to him in a dream and said, “Joseph son of David, do not be afraid to take Mary home as your wife, because what is conceived in her is from the Holy Spirit. She will give birth to a son, and you are to give him the name Jesus, because he will save his people from their sins.”  Matt 1:20-21 NIV

Joseph was quite concerned about what he should do about Mary. Should he put her away quietly? Should he expose the infidelity that surely must have occurred in order for her to be with child? He was concerned. He was worried. He was fearful. What to do? Joseph did what the angel of the Lord directed him to do. He took Mary home as his wife, believing that what was conceived in her was God's will. He was not afraid to do the will of God.

Are we afraid to do His will? Are we afraid that we might become publically humiliated if we confess the name of Jesus to those who do not profess the same faith? Are we afraid that we might fail? Do not be afraid. God has a plan for the good of all who love Him. He is with us always and He will see that His will is done.

Do not be afraid to do His will. Do not be afraid to share the Good News of the Kingdom through Jesus Christ our Lord, for God is with you.

God's Peace - Pr. J