Day 193 – July 12, 2021
Scriptures: Ecclesiastes 9-12, Malachi 1-2 Malachi - Bible Project We have reached the conclusion in Ecclesiastes, life is but a vapor, but we are wise to, “Fear God and Keep his commandments.” Malachi leads us to a court case. That’s its presentation style, anyways. It offers a statement, a rebuttal, and a rebuttal to the rebuttal. Malachi is making the case for God against the Israelite community. There is a particular emphasis on the priests. God uses Malachi “God’s messenger” to declare the truth. It has 6 questions that are asked and investigated. It’s a fun text, where God gets in the last word on his covenantal faithfulness and love, and with prophetic precision strikes to the heart of the Israelites. The phrases go something like this: “I have loved you.” Then the people question it, like this, “How have you loved us?” “It is you priests who show contempt for my name” But you ask, “How have we shown contempt for your name? “By offering defiled food on my altar.” Statements, rebuttals in the form of questions, and then overwhelming evidence to the point. Each argument is like a court case. And God’s message comes across clearly - the hearts of the people have wandered from him. They are giving God their second and third best, if not nothing at all. You could say simply, they have forgotten the most important thing, “To fear God, and keep his commandments.” Let’s resolve to give God our hearts and our best today! Jordan
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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