Malachi 4

I am taking 9 words from Malachi 4 as my focus for this piece.
Actually, in my Complete Jewish Bible, there is no chapter 4 but there is a Chapter 3 continuing beyond verse 18, and it is in these beyond verses that these 9 words reside. 

Allow me to give you a link to the CJB and a link to NASB, KJV, and NLT.

So what are the words?

“on the day when I take action,” says Adonai-Tzva’ot.”

These words encourage me. These words give me patience. 
These words crucify my flesh that wants to rise up in fear and anger. 
Why?

Because these words tell me GOD is going to take action. If we read the whole of the Text we see upon whom He is going to take action. 
That is and I quote from verse 1 (or 19 depending on your translation): “all the proud and evildoers”.

Let us be honest. 

Right now today we don’t see His actions against the proud and the evildoers, particularly for several years now. 
We see them doing their evil with no punishment, little if any visible restraint — but that will not always be. 

So take heart, my brothers and sisters. Take heart. 
Fret not because of evildoers. (Psalm 37)

Let us focus not on the evil but on our Father who does all things well, perfectly well, and perfectly on time. 

And remember too that just because we do not see His Hand does not mean He is not working. 
I mean JESUS told us He was preparing a dwelling place for us — we have not seen it yet but we believe, we KNOW He does not lie and He is surely preparing just as He said. (John 14:3)

So.
In the time we have left on this earth, let us live in love and trust; let us repent and forsake fear and anger; which will open us to sharing the Gospel of JESUS with anyone in our path who is willing to hear. 

Our Father wants NO ONE to perish. (2 Peter 3:9)
That must be our desire as well. 

P.S.  The nine words — “on the day when I take action,” says Adonai-Tzva’ot.”

It’s a set date, y’all.
Did you notice that?