The God Who Draws Near in Judgment

“Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against sorcerers and adulterers, against perjurers, against those who defraud the hired worker of his wages, who oppress the widow and the fatherless, and deprive the foreigner of justice—but do not fear Me,” says the LORD of Hosts.
— Malachi 3:5


We often associate God’s judgment with dread, but in Malachi 3:5, judgment comes with a surprising grace. It is not merely a pronouncement of punishment—it is an act of holy nearness. God draws near, not in apathy or delay, but as a “swift witness” for those who have been wronged. He comes to confront injustice head-on: not only the spiritual violations like sorcery or perjury, but the social and economic ones—exploiting workers, oppressing widows and orphans, and denying justice to foreigners. In God’s eyes, spiritual infidelity and social injustice are both grievous offenses.

This passage names what is often hidden—quiet forms of exploitation that may seem mundane in the world’s eyes. Withholding fair wages. Turning away from the widow’s need. Ignoring the cry of the immigrant. Each of these, God sees. And He does not stay silent. When people fail to fear God, they cease to reflect His justice. “But do not fear Me,” God says—pointing to the heart of the matter. A lack of reverence for the Lord often manifests in a lack of care for others. But when we truly fear the Lord, we begin to love what He loves and resist what He resists.

Consider your context: Is there injustice hiding in plain sight where you live, work, or worship? Are there workers whose labor is undervalued or overlooked? Are there individuals within your reach—perhaps the elderly, single parents, or immigrants—who have no one to advocate for them? And perhaps most importantly, how does a deepened reverence for God transform the way you treat the vulnerable?

This week, find one way to use your influence for someone overlooked. If you supervise others, evaluate your fairness. If you see someone struggling, advocate quietly but persistently on their behalf. Let your reverence for God drive a daily commitment to justice—not just in public declarations but in private decisions.


Righteous and Holy God,

You see what others overlook. You hear what others ignore. You draw near when the vulnerable are harmed, and You call Your people to live in reverence and righteousness. Help me to fear You in a way that shapes my actions with integrity, truth, and mercy. Let me not be found among those who exploit or oppress, but among those who seek justice and reflect Your heart.

I pray in the name of Jesus. Amen.

-

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