Why Obey?

Few experiences in life devastate us more than feeling cheated. When a trust is broken, feelings of hurt often far exceed the value of what is actually lost. No wonder some people go through life feeling defiled, but then punish themselves again and again for being taken advantage of. They ask, Why did I trust so completely? Why didn’t I suspect others? Didn’t I see it coming? But the problem is far greater when the Lord is the one we distrust.

The hearts of many that Malachi addressed had grown cold. Although obedient, they suffered while others prospered through law-breaking activity. Sooner or later, we find ourselves sitting with these ancients, wounded and confused about suffering. But the trouble with their perspective is that it traces the problem back to God. We conclude, as did those the prophet describes, that either God is not fair or he’s not powerful enough to ensure justice, our justice. In defiant tones they cry out, “Where is the God of justice?” (17). Why does God allow the righteous to suffer and the disobedient to prosper?

Our passage assures us that God is all-powerful; but he is also just. Nothing escapes his ever-watchful eye. He will come as he promised and right all wrongs (1). And to those who think that God takes too long, his timing will be perfect. He is not slow to make things right. He is always on time, but not a minute too soon. For now, we must trust him with the outcomes, both cosmic and personal. God’s retribution–complex and perfect as it is–is far beyond our sight. We walk by faith, not by sight. Regardless of the outcome for us, we should follow our Savior, who suffered righteously, even if it seems like life has been unfair to us.

Search your heart for bitterness toward God. Did something happen that left you feeling that God has been unfair? Talk to God about it, asking for his help.