2024 Advent Devotion: Day 5

Thursday,  December 5

Malachi 3:5-12; Luke 1:68-79; Philippians 1:12-18a

Chicago attorney Andrea Lyon, dubbed the “angel of death row,” has dedicated her career to upholding justice for all, even in the most challenging cases. From Lonnie Fields, who murdered a judge and an attorney in front of 27 courtroom witnesses, to Casey Anthony, charged with first-degree murder of her own daughter, Lyon’s cases represent a catalog of human tragedy. While she never excuses their crimes or fudges the truth, she is unwavering in her belief that every person amounts to more than the worst thing he or she has ever done. In her distinguished career, Lyon has argued over 130 homicide cases. In 19 cases she argued her client be spared the death penalty in favor of a lesser punishment. She won all 19 cases.

Lyon’s clients make the adulterers, liars, exploiters, and fraudsters in Malachi 3 seem tame by comparison; however, both “the angel of death row” and Malachi have a distinct gospel feel to them. The prophet’s name means “my angel” and throughout his book there is a legal interrogation of sorts, in which God charges the Israelites with specific sins: denying God, being lax in their worship, robbing God of offering, and cheating those who are marginalized. Yet, God’s response to all these sins is simple but powerful: “Return to me and I will return to you . . . I will defend you against your enemies and I will bless you beyond measure!”

Like Lyon’s work in the courtroom, Malachi’s prophecy echoes God’s work of redemption and the incredible message of hope found in Luke, when Zechariah resoundingly declares, “by God’s tender mercy those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death will receive light and be guided toward peace!” This is the profound truth of the Gospel—God looks on us with eyes of compassion, seeing our full humanity, and extends love and mercy even to the most underserving of persons. No matter how far we’ve strayed or how grievously we’ve sinned, God’s invitation to return always remains open.

What is the worst thing you’ve ever done? That one action you regret most deeply? Chances are you are the only person who knows the answer. But no matter the answer, and no matter who knows, you amount to more than that worst thing. God has made it so by sending Jesus. This act of divine grace means that no mistake, no matter how grave, has the final verdict in your story. As we journey through Advent, let this be a wellspring of hope and joy!

Rev. Dr. Jeff Hayes
Pastor, Oakland Baptist Church, Rock Hill, SC