Turn the Hearts

See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse. (Malachi 4:5–6, NIV 1984).

My Musings – The last verse, of the last chapter of the last book of the Old Testament. Also, the last prophecy of the Old Testament. What follows is 400 years of prophetic silence. Last words are usually important and should leave an impression. The Jews had a long time to consider what those words meant.

My Advice – “After John’s messengers left, Jesus began to speak to the crowd about John: ‘What did you go out into the desert to see? A reed swayed by the wind? If not, what did you go out to see? A man dressed in fine clothes? No, those who wear expensive clothes and indulge in luxury are in palaces. But what did you go out to see? A prophet? Yes, I tell you, and more than a prophet. This is the one about whom it is written: I will send my messenger ahead of you, who will prepare your way before you. I tell you, among those born of women there is no one greater than John.” (Luke 7:24–28, NIV 1984).

Over 2000 years later, the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” has not yet come. But the “messenger” did come. He did prepare the way. But “the hearts of the fathers…and the hearts of the children” were not turned. By 70 A.D. the land was stricken “with a curse.“

The way led to Gethsemane and then Golgotha. “[Jesus] fell to the ground and prayed that if possible, the hour might pass from him. ‘Abba, Father,’ he said, ‘everything is possible for you. Take this cup from me. Yet not what I will, but what you will.'” (Mark 14:35–36, NIV 1984). That was Gethsemane. But there was no other way. So, “He humbled himself and became obedient to death— even death on a cross!” (Philippians 2:8, NIV 1984). On Golgotha.

Fathers and children, mothers and daughters, turn your hearts to the cross. For the “great and dreadful day of the Lord” is coming. But under the shadow of the cross, there is nothing to dread.