Malachi is the very last chapter of the Old Testament. Israel is being reminded of God’s love, that they have been chosen over Esau, but they continue to dishonor God with sacrifices that are blemished. He reminds Israel that they are to remain faithful to their marriages, just as they should remain faithful to Him. He also reminds the priests of their charge, that originated from Levi, to guard knowledge, give instruction and to be a messenger of God. Israel began to stray from the Lord when they began to believe that their actions were acceptable because they did not immediately face God’s justice.
With our information overload in today’s world, it is easy to mistake opinion for truth. However, our truth should come from Him. When we listen to what others about the Bible, we should be willing to fact check and be willing to study it on our own. My hope is that you will take the time to read what His word says on your own, it may not make sense the first time you read it, so don’t be afraid to reread it, or even read it in a different version. With time, you’ll get better at it, trust Him to show you what He needs you to see.
Passage:
Malachi
Discovered:
- Israel doubted God’s love for them.
- I have rejected Esau and chosen Jacob.
- A son honors his father, am I not a father? Then why do you offer tainted sacrifices?
- You dishonor me with your actions.
- Cursed is the cheat who has a perfect offering but brings a blemished offering.
- I made a covenant with Levi of peace. Priests are to guard knowledge, give instructions, are a messenger of the Lord.
- If you choose not to do this, you will curse your blessings.
- Judah has broken the covenant, been faithless, choosing to marry those who worship idols.
- Instead guard your heart and be faithful to your marriage views.
- They began to believe that evil was goos because God’s justice was not swift.
- I am sending a messenger to prepare the way for me (John the Baptist).
- The one who is coming will refine and purify.
- The Lord does not change, which is why you have not been destroyed for leaving me.
- Follow me and you will blessed.
- A list of those who choose to follow Him was written and the Lord will remember them.
- The day is coming that the wicked will be consumed.
- Those who fear the Lord shall rise up with healing and tread on the wicked.
- I am going to send you Elijah (likely John the Baptist) before the great day.
Help me to remember:
when we choose not to rely directly on His commandments and His word, it can easily to stray and twist the wrong into a perceived right.
Lord, I ask that . . .
I take my truth from the Bible and not others interpretation <-direct from the source. Help me to guard my heart.
Heavenly Father, I am thankful for . . .
You do not change, You are constant.
