Why Bother

Malachi 3:13-15

Being a Christian in one of the wealthiest nations on the planet can be, at times, frustrating.

It is not difficult to understand the point of view of the people being visited by Malachi. Sometimes we may even catch ourselves thinking the very same way.

In his psalm, Asaph pondered this very thought (Psalm 73). I don't think these thoughts are all that rare amongst Christians world wide. We all walk right into this clever trap more often that I think we would like to admit (Genesis 4:7).

This is something that transcends culture. The human thought process. Envy, jealousy. Frustration at what seems unfair. It's nothing new. King Solomon said it (Ecclesiastes 1:9).

At first glance, it would seem that those who don't play by the rules and those who refuse to submit to the authority of God are the ones who get ahead in life.

If we take a closer look, as Asaph did (Psalm 73:16-17), we will see. If we are quiet and listen, the Holy Spirit will show us. We will understand that, in the end, the arrogant and lawless have no refuge (Psalm 73:18-20; Psalm 73:27).

Our reward isn't in this life anyway. I'd much rather have what is waiting for me in eternity than anything this world has to offer.

God is AWESOME!

An Invitation To Test

Malachi 3:7-10

I have been putting off this part of Malachi. I wasn't sure how to approach the subject of tithing.

God told the people that they had been disobedient for a long time (Malachi 3:7), but if they would return to Him, He would then return to them.

They asked "How shall we return?" God answers that question with a question. "Will man rob God?" (Malachi 3:8).

I thought it was a little odd that, after making the charge of a long standing state of disobedience, God would ask a question like that. I've been thinking about that question.

In Genesis 14:18-20, we are introduced to King Melchizedek. He was a King and a priest of God. King Melchizedek gave bread and wine to Abram and then gave him a blessing. Abram gave King Melchizedek a tenth of everything he had.

In Psalm 110:4, King David writes what appears to be a Messianic prophecy and sites Melchizedek. In Hebrews 7, the author expounds on Genesis 14:18 and Psalm 110:4.

Jesus is the King and the Priest. Jesus is bread and wine, broken and poured out for our sins (Luke 22:19-20).

Abram gave a tenth to King Melchizedek, which by the way, happened before the law of the tithe was established (Leviticus 27:30-32). So, we see that tithing pre-dates the law, so we don't have the fact that we are no longer under the law as an excuse for not giving our tithes.

Like everything God does, there is a reason for the tithe. It is a provision for those serving in His house. (Numbers 18:26-32)

Back to the question. "Will man rob God?" I think I can understand the question that was asked in return from the people. God was talking about their disobedience, then suddenly levels this charge of robbery. "How have we robbed You?"

The tithe represents God's provision. They stopped trusting God for His provision.

God puts forth a challenge to test Him (Malachi 3:9-10). God's provision is sure. We must trust Him. Our level of obedience is equal to our level of trust in Him.

We are His beloved children and He loves us more than we can imagine. He wants very much to bless us with more than we will ever need, but He will not reward rebellion and disobedience.

Live in obedience to our Wise Father. Take the challenge. Test God in the area of His provision.

God is AWESOME!

Feelings

John 13:34-35

"A new commandment I give to you, that you love one another: just as I have loved you, you also are to love one another. By this all people will know that you are my disciples, if you have love for one another."

As followers of Christ, we often talk about loving one another. It is, after all, a commandment of King Jesus. (John 14:15)

Sometimes we will say, "I have to love you, but I don't have to like you." or, "*fill-in-the-blank-name* makes it hard to love them because of how they act."

We are commanded to love one another....as Christ loved us. We need to let that sink in. just as I have loved you...

Why? Why do we have to love one another this way? Jesus gives the answer in the commandment. He said that "by this all people will know that you are My disciples."

In John 17, Jesus is praying. Part of that prayer is that we be united in love, that we be as one....just as He and the Father are one. Why? So that the world will believe. (John 17:20-21)

When we start walking in the flesh and in our pride, we seek our own selfish desires. We treat and talk about others according to how we feel about them. In behaving this way, we are working against the very agenda we claim to be advancing.

Father, thank You for so great a salvation. Please help me to realize that the importance of my obeying Your commandment to love is so much bigger than how I feel about someone. That in my obedience, You grant me the privilege and deep honor of being part of Your plan of salvation.

New Year's Musings

My friend Jena has the ability to paint the most beautiful word pictures. She is a true wordsmith. She is also a very eloquent speaker.

She wrote this recently, and it meant a lot to me. I'd like to share it here.


Dear Family and Friends,

As I read an article in Bible Study Magazine this morning by Eli T. Evans, I was struck with an interesting thought. The author reflected with some wonder that Jesus left His story with four ordinary-guy biographers -- Matthew, Mark, Luke and John. Isn't it amazing to think of that? I know when a story is being re-told about me, I often interject clarification to the storyteller if needed. Though He was "literate, intelligent and a brilliant orator" Himself, Jesus left the details of His brief cameo on earth in the hands of untrained and incapable men. Why?

He knew the Spirit who would indwell them and move their pens.

My thoughts took this course: Does Jesus have to depend entirely on the work of His Spirit to communicate His message, His life through me? Does He have any confidence in my devotion to Him, in my zeal, in my commitment? Does the Holy Spirit "have His work cut out for Him" or am I cooperating with His plan? (Phil. 2:12b-13.)

While it is reassuring to know there need be nothing special about me or my abilities for God to communicate His message through my life, it is also worth remembering that He had willing participants in those assigned to share His story. They listened, they learned, they worshiped, they served. I have to confess I don't often progress past listening, and then just barely, in case He might have something to say that I don't want to hear!

Let's make 2012 a year in which He is clearly seen through our lives, the pens of our words and actions easily yielded to the holy hand. He is worthy of our full devotion. He did give us His, after all.

Blessings to you and yours,

Jena

The Promise Keeper

Malachi 3:5-6

God has some ominous words for those being addressed by Malachi.

"Then I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness..."

A swift witness. God is the ultimate judge. He is the righteous judge. There will be no hesitation whatsoever in His actions.

He said He would judge those who practiced such things as sorcery. The prophet Samuel told King Saul that God had rejected him as King because of his rebellion, which was the same as divination (sorcery or witchcraft). 1 Samuel 15:22-23.

Rebellion is what comes from us when we are walking in the flesh and not in the Spirit. (Galatians 5:19-21)

He will judge adulterers. God very specifically forbids adultery. (Exodus 20:14)

Faithfulness to ones spouce is a condition of the heart. (Matthew 5:27-28, Matthew 15:17-20)
Marriage, the relationship between a husband and wife, is a picture of the relationship between Christ and His church, between God and His people. God used the prophet Hosea to paint a beautiful picture of this relationship. He loves us unconditionally. He will come for us, He will restore us to a right relationship with Himself.

If you have never read the book of Hosea, I highly recommend that you do.

He will judge those who swear falsely. I think James gives us the best advice concerning swearing or promising things. He says just don't do it. Let your word be your bond. (James 5:12)

God will judge the opressors. James addresses this as well. (James 1:27) I suppose a good rule of thumb for not being an opressor of others is found in Luke 6:31. Just treat other people the same way that you would like for them to treat you.

In Malachi 3:6, God says something deeply profound. A very short statement that holds volumes of meaning.

"For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed."

In Genesis 12:1-3 and Genesis 13:14-18, God promised some things to Abraham. The Apostle Paul expounds on this in chapter 4 of his letter to the Romans.

God made these promises to Abraham, and because God does not change (James 1:17), Abraham's descendants were not destroyed.

Abraham's offspring multiplied. Through the generations, a descendant of his was born. The Descendant. Christ Jesus.

Because of God's promises to Abraham, and because of the fact that God does not change, we are truly blessed (Genesis 12:2-3). Our sins have been taken away! (John 1:29)

God's promise has been fulfilled in Christ Jesus. (Romans 8:1)

God is AWESOME!