Saturday Advent 1

Malachi 4:1-3
See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts.

Praying with these words of Malachi opens us to a power surge. No lengthy reading…just a promise: Those who honor God will be enfolded in healing and will burst out into the world with unfettered, unstoppable energy.

Is that what we are waiting for? Do we really have a clue what is around the next corner when we gather in reverence and thanksgiving every Sunday and all the days in between? Perhaps knowledge of what God is unleashing would make you step back...perhaps you would try to "figure out" the implications.

But we are called to be faithful, aren't we? Thinking about what God is preparing to do may actually decrease our willingness to "go with it". Can you set aside the limits of reason and experience the growing momentum of faith in God’s action?

What is being nudged as you are in this Advent time? How has your prayer with the prophecies of this past week’s readings affected your energy? What has been clarified or confirmed about God’s will and intention for His people?

Prayer:
Stir up your power, Lord Christ, and come. By your merciful protection alert us to the threatening dangers of our sins, and redeem us for your life of justice, for you live and reign with the Father and the Holy Spirit, one God, now and forever. Amen. (ELW)