There is a code among organized crime, that you keep silent. Omerta. Set up as organized families by none other than Charlie "Lucky" Luciano in the 1920's, this organization ran crime throughout the USA under the auspices of La Cosa nostra, la Familia, or the Mafia. And its binding strength was in its silence among its members. They kept their mouths shut, and until 1962 had very few defectors, at least none who lived to tell about it. Today you see t-shirts proclaiming "snitches are a dying breed," but yet that year one man broke the silence. Joe Valachi.
Valachi, pronounced Va-la-chee. His book The Valachi Papers named names, and gave the public a look into organized crime that startled and shook the world-both good and evil. But with the finking on his friends, and family, became an outcast. A wanted man, as no one who betrays another can ever be trusted. He was done with the family at that point, and although they had given him asylum, the Feds had no great love for him either, and definitely not respect. He proved he could not be trusted, and stood a man alone. A snitch, and nobody, from the first grader to the adult likes a snitch. Breaking a trust that can never be repaired. The Valachi Papers told it all.
The last book of the old Testament is Malachi, pronounced Mal-a-ki. But today we will have it rhyme with Valachi, for it is another book, revealing truth. Malachi means messenger, and as God's messenger was a prophet who told some startling truths about men, and man. The Jews at this time, bout 440BC, were in a religious malaise. God had not shown up as promised, yet, to give them their kingdom, and they doubted His love for them. They had shunned His justice, and and didn't take the law seriously. Not getting their way, they began to mock Him, where is the God of justice?
The answer, He is coming, but first to judge, then to refine like fire. As Israel had turned their backs on Him, He advised only through repentance would they return to Him. And they better do it before the great day of the Lord comes, to be spared. But mercifully, in His love, God didn't name names. Too much paperwork. So He condemned all that were in sin. Because all are, and have fallen short. He was to the point, He hates divorce. Look what it does to families, churches, societies, and economies. He accused them of not keeping their commitment with their tithes. Paying taxes to the governments, but cheating God. And yet fully expecting God to honor them! And getting madder when He didn't. Telling them not to gossip, and to show love instead of hate, or harshness. Always reminding them of a coming judgment, and also of a messiah to rescue them from it.
The answer, He is coming, but first to judge, then to refine like fire. As Israel had turned their backs on Him, He advised only through repentance would they return to Him. And they better do it before the great day of the Lord comes, to be spared. But mercifully, in His love, God didn't name names. Too much paperwork. So He condemned all that were in sin. Because all are, and have fallen short. He was to the point, He hates divorce. Look what it does to families, churches, societies, and economies. He accused them of not keeping their commitment with their tithes. Paying taxes to the governments, but cheating God. And yet fully expecting God to honor them! And getting madder when He didn't. Telling them not to gossip, and to show love instead of hate, or harshness. Always reminding them of a coming judgment, and also of a messiah to rescue them from it.
God is a God of mercy-not getting what we deserve. And for Him to end this paper with a promise, that if fathers and children do not reunite, as unto Him, He will strike them with a curse. Ending the Old Testament-or the law-some 400 years before Jesus. And after waiting 400 years for their savior, didn't recognize Him when He arrived. They wanted relief from a government, when God sent His son, Jesus, to free them from their sins. How different the New Testament ends with a promise of life-free from the curse.
Joe Valachi's confessions never freed him from his sins. In fact they turned even his closest associates against him. Forced to live in a witness protection system, trusting the men who had cheated on for years to protect him. Living in a fear of what if they ratted him out? Where could he turn? Only to God, whom he should have turned in the first place.
God's protection program is different. He forgives publicly all your sins, and we need to hide from no man. Jesus tells us he who is free is free indeed, and no monies from book tours, or interviews can make you freer. Only His forgiveness. And He also gives grace-getting what we don't deserve, eternal life. All the things promised the Jews, but more personal-coming in the form of a person, instead of a society or government. Today you will be faced with a decision of where to turn in your sin. To God, and be forgiven-the spirit gives life, or the law-which brings death. Should be an easy decision. Don't be hard hearted like the Israelites, seek God. Let Him heal your divorce, repair your finances, and heal your body. Be under God's witness protection program when the judgment comes.
Malachi or Valachi. Two messengers, two papers, two men. One chose God, the other still hides from Him. Numbers tells us our sin will find us out. Isn't it refreshing to have God forgive and forget it? Now, why can't you? The gospel of Jesus Christ-good news to all who receive it! Read all about it!
love with compassion,
Mike
matthew25biker.blogspot.com
ps-available in paperback too!