 |
|
|
|
Messages From Malachi
Malachi is a book where the prophet speaks - and the people speak back! Like our Sunday School time where we discuss the sermon, so in the book of Malachi the prophet gives voice to the objections of the people. Seven times Malachi speaks on behalf of God, and then speaks the objection, or question, of the people, and then speaks God's reply. Through this process, God demonstrates that he willingly listens to us, even when our objections are not valid. The lesson we have to learn is powerful - If we communicate our thoughts and feelings to God, we may just find two things to be true - first, that God acknowledges our questions and concerns and the feelings that prompt them; and, second, that there is an answer to them. Here are the seven issues raised by the prophet on behalf of God and the people: 1:2-5 God says - I have loved you. The people are thinking - Yeah, right! Since when? Issue - the people feel that God is neglecting them. Their blessings have not met their expectations. So many of the prophecies of the Messiah's coming and the glory of Israel to come seem forgotten by God. Response - I have always loved you - ever since I chose Jacob your father. I do not go back on my choices (see Romans 11:29). I loved you once - I will love you always. 1:6-2:16 God says - You show contempt for me. The priests answer - How have we shown contempt? God replies - By defiling my altar. They respond - How have we defiled you? God replies - By giving me leftovers instead of your best. Issue - The people were sacrificing diseased and crippled animals, in violation of the law, and the priests were letting them get away with it. God says, "Try doing that when you pay taxes to the governor! Am I worth less to you than he is?" Also, they are ignoring their own word, especially their marriage vows. In the same way, we often give to God halfheartedly - not of our wealth but of ourselves. We are too busy to spend time with him, and make excuses for not spending time with his people, the church. If we give half-heartedly to him, why should he do any more for us? If we do not value our own word, and break faith with others, why should God do differently? 2:17-3:5 God says - You weary me with your words (words of complaint muttered under their breaths, and not in earnest prayer) The people answer - How have we wearied you? God answers - You tell yourselves not to bother trying to live up to God's expectations because he loves the wicked more than the righteous - at least he blesses them more. Issue - The priests think - why demand that the people bring only perfect sacrifices when God doesn't seem to care who keeps his word? They feel, perhaps, that God has not recognized their own attempts at holiness, and feel like a neglected child. Response - As in Psalm 73, God reminds us that, while he often is patient with those who disregard his truth, there is coming a judgement. If the priests want God to be just and punish the wicked, they had best be careful or he might just do that - and they might find out their own goodness is less than they thought: 3:6-12 God says - Return to me (that is, repent) The people say - Repent of what? What have we ever done to you that we must repent? God replies - Well, for one thing, you steal from me. They respond - When have we ever stolen from you? God answers - by withholding the tithe. Issue - again, and as in Haggai and Zechariah, God questions the depth of his peoples' devotion. Instead of condemning or warning of judgement, God issues a challenge - "Test me and see if I will not abundantly bless you. I will bless you according to the measure you use to be obedient to me - out of obligation and grudgingly, or out of love and abundantly." See also Luke 6:37-38. 3:13-4:6 God says - You've said harsh things against me. The people say - What have we said against you? God replies - You ridicule those who love me and respect those who are arrogant and disregard me and you think that I don't honor obedience. God reminds the people of his coming and offers healing and victory to all who will seek him in sincerity and truth. This Week's Notes
|
| New Hope Lutheran Brethren Church, 2007 | |