Love Demands a Response

Here we are at the last book in the Old Testament. God’s people have returned from exile in Babylon. The temple and the city walls have been rebuilt. In spite of all that progress, the enthusiasm of the people for the things of God seems to have melted away. Malachi makes it clear that their leaders, especially the priests, bear much of the responsibility for this tragedy.

Read More God’s love, sacrifices, priests

Leading By Example

Leadership expert John Maxwell says that leadership is influence. Leaders influence people around them both by the words they say and the way they behave. The priests of Malachi’s day come in for more criticism in this passage.

It starts with an accusation that their relationship with God is not right, that they don’t take God seriously.

Unfaithfulness

Malachi’s harsh words of judgment now fall on the common people. His complaint is that they have been unfaithful in their spiritual and human relationships. They have gone after other gods, worshipping them, even disgracing the temple recently rebuilt. Even when they worship, it is not with the heart.

The Covenant Keeping God

The story so far has been to highlight the unfaithfulness of the people of God. The prophet has provided plenty of evidence of their spiritual lethargy and the failure of their leaders to provide godly leadership. This section provides even more evidence of this.

But in contrast stands the unwavering faithful commitment of God to his people.

We All Need Reminders

I think most of us will admit that at times we all need to be reminded of things. It may be something we have promised to do or an appointment we have to keep. Today’s technology provides so many ways to keep on top of things but even with all that help, some things may slip our minds.