Malachi: The People Who Neglected God
How low they had fallen. The priests “questioned God (3:13), violated his covenant (2:11), disobeyed His laws (2:9), defiled His altar (1:7, 12), and despised His name (1:6). Imagine that! This makes me wonder about my devotion to God – How am I doing? I have lost count of the times I have failed. Yet, a covenant-keeping God said to these same people, and to us Christians “I have loved you” (1:1) and “Jacob I have loved, Esau I have hated” (1:2-3). Believe it or not, God throughout history has shown His love towards His people, the descendants of Abraham (Jacob)(Israel/Christians), and a rejection (hate) of those who are un-Godly. Just in case you are tempted to envy the ungodly, and God knows this envy is so rampant in our world…look no further than among our young people.. I think now of the lotto scamming business that is impacting our schools in Jamaica, or the young prostituting their future for present gain. Here’s what God promises to do for the ungodly – Note, Esau and his descendants (Edom/Edomites) represent the ungodly, the rejected ones:
3 But Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” 4 If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the Lord of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down” (Malachi 1:3-4)
Yes, at the time the government was corrupt and the economy was poor; times were hard. The people began to think God no longer loved them. So they began to envy the ungodly or should I say desire the things of the world. Yet another factor for the hardship they were experiencing was the
unfaithfulness of the priests – The people could live no higher that the spiritual commitment of their leaders (Miller, 318). Wow! This I must consider as I enter this new phase of ministry. It is so easy to fall into the trap of thinking “Does the worship of God makes any sense…with all that’s happening to me?” Notice God said that the wicked will keep on building, but He (God) would tear it all down again. Futile living! It’s all good now, but then what?
To those who love God, His promise is perpetual – “To you who fear My name, the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings” (4:2). The Messiah who returns will issue judgment upon both the wicked and the unrighteous, yet he brings with Him healing for those who love and obey Him. The good news is that His love for His people moved him to send a great Prophet who will “restore the hearts” of the people (4:6). No matter the times, God has a remnant that obeys, honors, and serves Him. Malachi speaks to both temporal and eternal blessings for those who believe. Do you believe? God is in the people business. We are His priority and it is His wish that no one will perish. A loving God, seeking the love of His people.
References:
Miller, S. Holman Commentary: Nashville, TN: B& H (2004).
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Written by Dr. Kevin A. Hall (02.13.18).