Through The Bible in a Year - May 26, 2026

"Then I will draw near to you for judgment... And do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts... They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession. And I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him." - Malachi 3:5; 3:17

There's a judgment coming. In this passage, God says that he will be "a swift witness” against those who think their personal magic will solve their problems, against those engaging in relationships not honoring to God or their loved ones, against those who are not always committed to God’s truth, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, against those who do not protect the helpless or care for the needy.

Uh-oh. Somewhere in that list, if we're honest, we all fall. And someday, a day of judgement that is sure to come, there will be a great separation: of sheep and goats, of the righteous and unrighteous, of those who trust the Lord and those who do not.

But then, hear these additional words of prophecy: "Do not fear, says the LORD of hosts."

Wait—how can that possibly be? How can we not fear judgment if, in our lives, are matters that God promises to judge? Because this prophecy at the conclusion of the Old Testament is the fulfillment of the gospel that runs through the entire Bible. Yes, judgment is coming, but Jesus is coming, too, and he will rescue his people from their sin and God’s judgment.

Reflect: God's gospel of good news echoes from Genesis to Revelation: "Do not fear."

• To Abraham: "I am your shield and your very great reward, so do not fear."

• To Moses at the Red Sea: "Stand firm, the LORD is with you, and do not fear."

• To Joshua entering the Promised Land: "Be strong and courageous, and do not fear."

• To David: "God is our refuge and strength, therefore do not fear."

• To Solomon: "The LORD will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear."

• To Israel through Isaiah: "I am with you. I will strengthen you and help you. Do not fear."

• To the exiles through Jeremiah: "I will rescue you. Do not fear."

• To Zechariah: "You will bear a son who prepares the way for the Messiah who will save God’s people. Do not fear."

• To Mary: "You will bear the Savior. Do not fear."

• To Joseph: "This is of the Holy Spirit. Do not fear."

• To the shepherds: "As the glory of the LORD shone around them..., the angels said, ‘Do not fear.’"

• To the disciples when they wanted to run from trial: "I will take care of you. Do not fear."

• To us through John in Revelation: "I hold the keys of death and Hades. Do not fear."

Respond: What are you afraid of? Your name is written in heaven. Nothing on earth can erase it.

Death? Jesus locked the gates of hell to your entry. It's not your future.

Failure? Your security will never be based on your performance but on Jesus’ provision.

The future? God never left or forsook His people. He won't start with you.

Do not fear.

Prayer: Father, I confess that I am afraid of you sometimes. My faults and failures make me doubt your grace and mercy. But You have said from Genesis to Revelation: "Do not fear." You have promised to spare me as a father spares his son. You will never leave me or forsake me. Help me live in that security today. Whatever trial, temptation, or trauma comes, remind me that I am eternally secure. Help me to say and believe, “I will not fear because my Lord is for me.” Thank you for such assurance. Keep it ever fresh in my heart and mind. In Jesus' name, Amen.