When Justice seems very far away - John 2:12-25 (& Malachi 3:1-5)

Our Father, you have sent your messenger
And the Lord whom we seek has come to his temple;
But who can endure the day of his coming,
For he is like a refiner's fire.
He has promised to draw near for judgement.
Forgive us that we have consulted sorcerers,
We are guilty of adultery,
We have sworn falsely,
We have oppressed those who have laboured for us,
We have not cared for the widow, the orphan and the refugee,
But worst of all we have not feared your name.
Forgive us and restore us.
Thank you that your Messiah comes not just in judgement
But also to bring blessing and salvation.
We trust him
And we seek his mercy this year.
Amen