The Messenger Of The Lord Almighty (Malachi 2:7)

 


Thursday, November 28, 2024


Psalm 71

Malachi 2:1-16

Revelation 12:6-18


Observance: Ember Day


The Messenger Of The Lord Almighty (Malachi 2:7)


Malachi now turns his hard, yet important words onto the priests. The priests have not been faithful; they have been teaching false things, leading the people astray by both their words and their deeds. And God is not pleased.


When we ordain priests in our day and time (and it is important to remember that our modern priests are less like Old Testament priests and more like New Testament presbyters), we remind them of the same thing. The bishop exhorts them to remember how high a dignity, and to how weighty an office and charge they are called. They are to be messengers, watchmen, and stewards of the Lord; to teach, feed and provide for the Lord’s family; to seek for Christ’s sheep that are dispersed abroad, and for his children who are “in the midst of this naughty world, that they may be saved through Christ forever.” Then there is the bit of the exhortation which raises the hairs on the back of everyone’s necks: “And if it shall happen the same Church, or any member thereof, to take any hurt or hindrance by reason of your negligence, ye know the greatness of the fault, and also the horrible punishment that will ensue.”


St John Chrysostom, a great preacher who lived during the first half of the 5th century, once said “the road to hell is paved with the skulls of priests, and the bodies of burning bishops are the torches that light the way.” Well, he might have said it – he is a bit like Oscar Wilde, in that many quotes have been attributed to him. But the point is as relevant today as it was 1500 years ago during his time, and two and half thousand years ago when Malachi wrote these words we are studying today. Those who are called to minister God’s truth to this world have a great and terrible responsibility, and there are many who have stumbled.


You may remember the opening words of the book of Revelation we read a little while ago, where St John praised the Lord Jesus, who “has made us a kingdom of priests and kings to serve his God and Father”. St Peter, in his first letter, also refers to all Christians as “a royal priesthood”. (1 Peter 2:9) Our modern-day priests may be a contemporary version of New Testament presbyters; but every Christian is a bit like an Old Testament priest.


The lips of priests ought to preserve knowledge, and from their mouths men should seek instruction – for they are the messengers of the Lord Almighty. How are you fulfilling your calling from God as a member of his royal priesthood, ministering God’s knowledge and instruction to the world?


Jesus our High Priest, make us to continually seek your grace in our prayers so that we may be a royal priesthood after your example.

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