Malachi 3:6-7
6 “I the LORD do not change. So you, the descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed. 7 Ever since the time of your ancestors you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the LORD Almighty. “But you ask, ‘How are we to return?’
I grew up with a momma who could give “that look.” You know the one I am talking about. The “Choose your next words or action very carefully because your very life depends on it” look. I have been told by my children and students that I inherited that same look. As a matter of fact, I once asked a student why he paid attention to what I said, but acted so badly for my student teacher. His reply was simple, “Cause, Mrs. Frick, when you say touch that again and I will break your fingers, we are pretty sure you mean it!” I promise I never broke fingers, the point was he knew I was serious and did not change my rules.
When I read today’s verses in the Message bible, I hear that exact same voice with that exact same look. I can even hear God using Israel’s full name with “Descendants of Jacob.” I see the hand on the hip and one hand pointing at you. Here is how it reads. “I am GOD—yes, I AM. I haven’t changed. And because I haven’t changed, you, the descendants of Jacob, haven’t been destroyed. You have a long history of ignoring my commands. You haven’t done a thing I’ve told you.”
Just like my momma’s look, I find these statements comforting. We are in a safe place. We know the boundaries. We know the rules to the game and they don’t change. We know exactly where that cliff edge is and it will not move on us. There is never any guessing. This is a comfort in knowing this fact, even when we screw up.
Lord, thank you for providing solid boundaries. It makes me feel safe. ~amen
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