For the Last Sunday in the Church Year, the three assigned readings are Malachi 3:13-18 (complaints about the wicked); Colossians 1:13-20 (Delivered from darkness) and Luke 23:27-43 (Fall on us!). Chosen to preach on is Malachi 3:14, “You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God, what profit is it that we have kept His ordinance?’”

As the Last Sunday in the Church Year emphasizes the Day of Judgment, the text echoes the thoughts of many Christians that there is not much of an advantage (profit) in serving God. Take a look around the world and often the proud appear to be more blessed than the Christian, those who do wickedness are raised up and those who tempt God go free! God Himself quotes these words from some in the nation of Israel as examples of those who, as He says, “have been harsh against Me.”

This is a common problem for the Theologian of Glory who lives under the Law and views all reality through the lens of “me first.” Such a self-centered attitude looks around and finds that it appears that there is little advantage in being a Christian. For the unbelievers appear to have as many benefits (blessings) as do Christians and in fact, seem to get away with murder.

The interpretation is clear for the day of Malachi. However, how do we apply this message today? The same attitude is found in Christians who imagine that the more they obey God, the more blessings they will receive. And it is found in those who decide to do a good work to please God. Such motivation is in reality a form of manipulation on our part to get God to bless us more.

That Christians are confused over their blessings is apparent when asked this question, “Think of three blessings you received this past week.” Then ask them to raise their hand if they are NOT thinking of something positive. Few, if any hands, will be raised. Why? Because Christians understand blessings differently than did the apostle Paul who listed as blessings being shipwrecked, imprisoned, alone, hungry and so forth.

The fact is that because God is working out all things for the good of the Christian believer, there is really no time here on earth that God is not blessing us. Even discipline according to Hebrews 12 is a blessing from God. Of course, the greatest event in His story (history) is the cross of Christ. While not recognized by the disciples at the time as a blessing, their minds certainly were upgraded to God’s mind three days later.

The sermon should help the listener realize that while the Theologian of Glory lives by interpreting his experience, the Theologian of the Cross lives under the Gospel in trusting in the promises of God for which there is no evidence except the Word of God. Indeed, for the Christian that great and terrible Day of Judgment that the world fears is coming, will instead be the great blessing of being transferred from this vale to tears to an eternity of bliss and joy in the Lord Jesus Christ.