Mysty PfefferWeek 3 Day 1
Malachi
“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. But if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is your fear of Me? Says Yahweh of Hosts to you priests, Who despise My name.”
Malachi 1:6 HCSB
Malachi (My messenger, my angel) is thought to be a priest among the Levites. His message to his fellow priests occurs between 458-435 BC. Cyrus has allowed the Jews to return to Judah and the completion of the temple has taken place. Nehemiah’s working on the wall with his relentless opposition. While Malachi has to deal with half-hearted commitment among the priest and the people. (HCSB, 2018)
Our first day of study for Malachi is an overview of the book. So, we’ll read through the four short chapters and keep in mind the themes listed in our study bibles: *
- Perversion of the Priesthood (Malachi 1:6-2:9) *
- Intermarriage with foreigners (2:11-16)
- Problems in society (3:5)
- Disobedience of principles governing giving
I’m noting also in my study bible that the “Hebrew word for Hate (sane) is to be understood as a lesser degree of love and esteem, or having less favor toward one. In the covenant sense, the descendants of Esau could be saved just as those coming through Jacob. The term “hated” is then used as hyperbole to affirm God’s choice of Jacob to inherit the covenant blessing over Esau, who remained outside the Lord’s covenant “(Gen 25:29-34-,27:1-400) (HCSB, 2018, p. 1499)
Israel is referred to as Jacob in the first chapter of the book of Malachi.
Do you remember, Jacob means deceiver and God changed his name to Israel after he wrestled with the angel all night, before meeting his brother Esau? (Gen. 32:24-32) I find it interesting that Israel (the nation) is referred to as Jacob (the deceiver) in chapter one of Malachi. We’ll find out why, very soon.
Although, there is difficulty in finding holy leadership among the priests, God is still faithful to His part of the covenant. I don’t know about you, but I feel a little better glancing back over the years and seeing where my mistakes are pretty common to humankind. Selfishness is not new. Seeking material things for myself before thinking of God is not new. Building faith starts with looking at my dissatisfied life and finding the missing piece. For me, it took a long time. God in my life, but my life not in submission to Him.
It is the full realization of His mercy and love that brings us to commit fully to Him. I glance back over my life and just stand in awe when I see the places our Holy God walked with me along the way! In spite of my carelessness towards Him! The yearning of my heart to honor and bestow gratitude for His merciful love is overwhelming.
I fill up with tears every single time I feel His grace. The longing for something better may be in your heart too. Trust me in this, He is the answer. As we study the book of Malachi this week and see a peek of the day of the Lord, our own halfhearted obedience may become clearer.
May this book inspire us to thoughtfully consider our commitment to God. As well as our stewardship, our values, our money. Jesus says, “where your treasure is, your heart will be also” (Mathew 6:21).
Lord, I ask for guidance as we begin our study and pray You expand our minds, open our hearts to Your message of repentance and the importance of your covenant love. Please stir the desire to seek You more. In Jesus name, Amen.
