Mysty Pfeffer“Because I, Yahweh, have not changed, You descendants of Jacob have not been destroyed.”
“Malachi 3:6”
Week 3 Day 4
The beautiful mercy of God is unwavering. May we take comfort today in that simple fact. Even though the descendants of Jacob falter, Yahweh’s love does not diminish. The same love He graciously offers to Israel, is bestowed upon those who put their faith in Jesus Christ. A wonderful promise we can rejoice in as we wrap up our study today!
While we, like Israel, will stumble and waver in our walk with Him, He shows us a better way. A way of forgiveness and thankfulness. He puts in our hearts a desire to please Him. We are products of change. Not perfect, by any means, but hungrily seeking Him. The discipline of God in past choices and resulting consequences prove to us, He is the better way.
Congratulations! If we’re feeling the refiner’s fire, we’ll see ourselves as He sees us, before we leave this place.
It’s going to take some heavy reading today to see it though. Hopefully we’re up for the challenge!
Please Read Malachi Chapter 3 and answer the following questions:
- There are two messengers in chapter three verse one. Look up the following verses to see who Malachi is referring to in the first sentence:
Isaiah 40:3
Mathew 11:9-11
Mark 1:2-3
The person explaining who John is according to our cross reference is Jesus. The second messenger in verse 1.
What do we learn by looking at what Jesus says in Luke 7:18-29? Restate it in your own words below:
- Malachi asks, who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For He will be like a ________________ ____________ or a ______________ soap.
- Who is he going to purify like silver and gold? (vs 3)
- Please read Mathew (the reformed tax collector) chapter 23 to appreciate a small taste of what this refining fire looks like for the Levites. Note how many times he uses the word hypocrites.
Boy, did Malachi’s prophesy come true! The Lord came in the form of Jesus to reign and usher in a new covenant. He not only refines the priests, He raise up a spiritual army of “men to bring offerings in righteousness acceptable to the Lord.’ The twelve disciples, Joseph of Arimathea, Nicodemus, Paul, Phillip, and many of the priests, became followers of the Way. All because, “I the Lord do not change.” (Malachi 3:6)
- Although, it wonderful to look ahead at the power of God’s refining. What is another area of trust the Israelites are having difficulty adhering to? (vs 8-10)
Tithing is the ONLY area in scripture where we are encouraged to TEST God. He says, “Test me in this, and see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour our so much blessing you will not have room enough for it.” (vs10). Praise God, He is faithful to meet our needs above and beyond what we need. What encouragement to stay the course, in spite of our circumstances!
Furthermore, Malachi inspires the few unwavering Israelites who pass the tithing test. He has a special message for believers who persist and revere the Lord.
- In your own words, please write Malachi 3:16 below:
- Would you say it is important for us, our children, and those seeking the Lord to understand why we are to fear’ the Lord?
- What does Proverbs 1:7 clarify about fear of the Lord?
- What is God’s promise for those who honor His name? (vs 17)
- The thing we will see, that never ceases to be in our life on this earth is the distinction between the ___________ and the _____________ , between those who serve God and those who do not. (vs 18)
The hope of Jesus, alive and active in our hearts takes this distinction and spurns the desire to transform wickedness to righteousness. A close encounter with our own degradation and change of heart gives us the empathy to help and understand others. We were there, too once! Trained by the penalty of our sin, we’ve felt the death of innocence. Longing for peace and fulfillment, we listened to the voice of the Holy Spirit calling our name.
Praise God! He continues to work in us and through us to bring the hope and light of salvation to others. Even in our imperfect state, we know, our wickedness is covered by His righteousness.
Romans 8:10 says it better, “But if Christ is in you, although the body is dead because of sin, the spirit is life, because of righteousness.”
What joy! The Lord, Yahweh, has not changed!
May God Bless you and fill you with His Spirit today as you share His love! It is a pleasure to look closely at this overview of God’s unwavering love with you. I pray we all understand he is forgiving and merciful as our hearts are encouraged to trust in his faithfulness. God Bless you!
