Don’t shoot the Malachi,
he’s just the messenger
and it may not have
been his name because
Malachi means my messenger.
In fact don’t shoot anyone.
It’s uncomfortable for them
and makes the news and
causes arguments about
whether instruments that
shoot should exist or not.
Just listen to the messages.
You don’t have to agree with
the messages, but hear them out.
They come from on high.
They are responses to
what you have given. So
not only should you
not shoot the Malachi, but
when it’s your turn to give
from what you have
give the best you’ve got.
Don’t give the blemished offerings
the sickly sacrifices, the calf
with the broken leg.
The One who sent the messenger
will know the difference.
Don’t shoot the messenger
for reminding you to do what
you promised you’d do.
We children of Jacob
We who came second
after a foot.
We who forever got to
go first just for a bowl of soup.
Don’t shoot the messenger.
That’s the kind of thing
that will come back to
bite you in your foot.