Malachi 2:2

If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.

Social distancing and quasi-quarantining ourselves causes a certain awkward silence. The golf course is a generally acceptable place of recreation during this uncertain time. However, many features of the golf experience are being altered. We are advised not to touch the flag, not to double up riding in a cart, and avoid picking up other playing partners’ balls to stave off the possibility of infection. The club houses are silent because staff has been reduced as food service has been eliminated. Many pro shops are being closed to prevent the risk of exposure.

Places of recreation are not the only places of silence. Concert halls, amphitheaters, and recording studios are empty of any activity. Can you imagine weeks or months of no new music being recorded, and no new filming of movies or television shows? Artists who depend upon concert dates for income are being silenced and financially strapped. Many have resorted to playing virtual concerts live on social media.

Our physical churches are also silent of the preaching of God’s word and the songs of Zion being belted out by a congregation. Physical silence within the church walls does not mean God has taken a spiritual hiatus. We have no written record of God speaking to His people from around 430 BC up until the writing of the gospel of Matthew.

The prophetic writings of Malachi reminded God’s people of His love for them. His book called the people to repentance and take heed of their worthless sacrifices. Malachi reminds us that we are the church. It is not comprised of the four walls, fellowship hall, or a set of pews. We as individual believers comprise the body of Christ and are tasked with the duty to fulfill His purpose.

Malachi also reminds us to apply God’s Word to our heart. Just because it isn’t being preached in way that we are normally accustomed doesn’t mean it isn’t being preached at all. The believer is indwelled with the Holy Spirit and is being continually blessed by God during these trying times. We have the promise of His never ending control and of our ultimate victory. Even though the world attempts to give us a spirit of defeat, His word and Spirit applied our heart overwhelmingly give testimony of our certain victory. Claim this victory today and every day. We can’t be silenced as we preach His Word while living in a otherwise quiet world!