Nehase 30 — September 05

Malachi, the Last of the Twelve Prophets

Today we remember Malachi, a great prophet. God chose him to carry His words to the people, and they loved to listen to him. Malachi was the very last of a special group called the Twelve Minor Prophets.

Malachi lived when God's people were coming home. They had been far away in a land called Babylon, and now they were returning to their city, Jerusalem. They were happy to be home, but some of them had stopped being kind and had forgotten to thank God.

Malachi reminded them gently. He told them to share with people who were poor, and to give God a little part of all the good things they had, the way a thankful child says, "Thank You." If they did, God made them a promise: He would open the windows of heaven and pour down so many blessings that they would say, "It is enough, it is enough!"

Malachi also told the people about happy days that were still coming. He said that one day a special helper named John the Baptist would come to get everyone ready for Jesus, our Savior. After Malachi finished sharing all of God's words, he went home to rest with God, Whom he loved very much.

I will open to you the windows of heaven, and pour down blessings, until you say, "It is enough, it is enough!"— from the words of Malachi

Abba Moses, the Bishop of Farma

Today we also remember Abba Moses, a bishop in a city called Farma. A bishop is a kind leader who looks after the churches and the people in them, the way a shepherd watches over his sheep.

The Church calls Abba Moses a "pillar." A pillar is one of those tall, strong posts that holds up a building so it stays standing. Abba Moses was like that for his city. He was so strong in his love for God, and so steady in helping the people, that everyone could lean on him. We say a happy greeting to him: "Hello, Moses, strong pillar of the city of Farma!"

Andrew and Jesus, the Secret Sailor

Andrew was one of Jesus' apostles, one of the closest friends and helpers Jesus had. One day Andrew and his helpers needed to cross the sea in a boat, but they had no money to pay for the trip. A friendly boat captain said, "Come aboard anyway!" and welcomed them in.

Here is the secret: the captain was really Jesus Himself! Jesus had changed how He looked, so Andrew did not know it was Him. An angel even brought fresh bread so they would not be hungry on the sea.

The waves were big, and Andrew's helpers were scared. So Jesus, dressed like the captain, spoke kind words to make them brave, and soon they fell into a peaceful, happy sleep. Andrew was amazed at how perfectly the captain steered the boat. "I have sailed fourteen times," he said, "and I never saw anyone sail like you!"

While Andrew's friends were sleeping, they had a beautiful dream. They saw Jesus sitting on His shining throne in heaven, with angels all around Him, and they saw Abraham and David too, with David playing happy music on his harp.

When morning came, the boat had safely reached land. Andrew opened his eyes and understood: the kind captain had been Jesus all along! Then Jesus appeared to him again, glowing with light, and said, "Do not be afraid. I will always be with you." Andrew was filled with joy, because he knew that Jesus is never far away from His friends, even out on the wide, wide sea.

Do not be afraid, neither be dismayed, for I will be with you.— Jesus to Andrew