A Faithful Witness - Week Twenty-Eight A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is My respect? Says the LORD of hosts to you ... (Malachi 1:6) ... If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name, says the LORD of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; and indeed, I have cursed them already, because you are not taking it to heart. Malachi 2:2
As the nation of Israel was collapsing, the prophet Malachi brings a final sentence upon the priests and people. This sad commentary is filled with life lessons for all of us. Malachi would point out some amazing truths that the folks had conveniently forgotten. 1) The people and priests played at religion but were not in love with God or His law. 2) They were false followers, corrupt, adulterous, false worshipers, arrogant. 3) They did not love God, honor God, rejected God’s faithfulness, redefined God’s righteousness (Hab. 2:17-3:6), robbed God, reviled God’s Grace (Hab. 3:13-15). Malachi, as a faithful witness, preached the Truth even though only a few heeded his warning. Listen to these words: Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. (Mal.3:16) Malachi stood firm in a hostile time when religious men condemned him. But God saw his heart! God sees the hearts of men ... a faithful witness is His delight! May we be thus today and every day in this hostile world!
Blessings to all,
Sandy Davis, for the team at Women In Discipleship (sm) womenindiscipleship.org – P.O. Box 694, Goldenrod, FL – 32733 – (407) 325-2986 sandydaviswid@earchlink.net
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