Your tears of sorrows shall be turned into tears of joy because of the anointing of God's favour upon you.
Good-Life Devotional:
RETURN UNTO ME AND I WILL RETURN UNTO YOU
Rev Michael Benson Ajayi
Text: Malachi 3:2–7
The call, "Return unto Me, and I will return unto you" (Malachi 3:7), reveals both God's justice and His mercy. Malachi was written to a covenant people whose outward religion continued, but whose hearts had drifted from God. They still offered sacrifices, yet tolerated spiritual compromise, corrupt worship, and disobedience. Rather than abandoning them, God graciously invited them to repent.
From an apologetics perspective, this passage answers the accusation that the God of the Old Testament is harsh and unforgiving. On the contrary, the Lord repeatedly called His people back before judgment fell. His discipline was never arbitrary but covenantal, intended to refine rather than destroy. Malachi 3:2-3 compares God's work to a refiner's fire that removes impurities from precious metals. God's holiness demands righteousness, but His mercy provides the opportunity for restoration.
The New Testament echoes this same invitation. James 4:8 declares, "Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you." Jesus likewise called sinners to repentance, saying, "Repent: for the kingdom of heaven is at hand" (Matthew 4:17). God is "not willing that any should perish, but that all should come to repentance" (2 Peter 3:9). The promise of 1 John 1:9 assures us that if we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive and cleanse us from all unrighteousness.
No matter how far one has wandered, God's invitation remains open today. Genuine revival begins with repentance, humility, and wholehearted obedience. When we return to God through faith in Christ, we experience His presence, forgiveness, restoration, and transforming grace.
In our daily prayers we should seek a healthy appetite for God's Word and a repentant heart for our loved ones.
PRAYER: Heavenly Father forgive me of my sins against you I believe Jesus Christ died and was raised again for my salvation I receive Him as Lord and saviour and receive the Holy Spirit and power to overcome temptation.
+2348035536911 email michaelbensonajayi@gmail.com
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