God Speaks
The LORD Cross-examines His People Concerning Their Irreverent Attitudes and Actions
Verse of the Day: Then those who feared the LORD talked with each other, and the LORD listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the LORD and honored his name. (Malachi 3:16 NIV 2011)
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Watch TBR Day 273
We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Malachi 1-4:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Malachi 1
1. God has always loved His people (Israel) even though He must discipline them for their poor behavior.
2. People insist on worshiping the LORD whatever way they choose, not on honoring Him the way He has prescribed.
Malachi 2
1. God brings charges against the religious leaders (priests and Levites) for leaving the paths He has laid out and for giving instructions that cause many of their people to stumble into sin.
2. Although people can be misled, they are each responsible for their own actions and attitudes.
Malachi 3
1. God listens to and answers the prayers of His obedient people.
2. People who fear the LORD and always think about honoring His name will receive healing, blessing, and prosperity.
Malachi 4
1. God is sending His wrath and judgment, but before that day, He will send His Messenger to preach about turning back.
2. People can be divided into two groups: the righteous, those who fear and obey the LORD (or His principles), and the wicked, those who rebel, disobey, and want nothing to do with Him.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Malachi 1-4?
LORD God, I know full well that You have always loved me and Your other people (Israel, for example) even though You must discipline us for our poor behavior at times. We often insist on worshiping You (or not) whatever way we choose, not on honoring You the way You have prescribed. God, You bring charges against religious leaders for leaving the paths You have laid out in the Bible and for giving instructions that cause many people to stumble into sin. Although people can be misled, we are without excuse: each person must take responsibility for our own actions and attitudes. You promise to listen to and answer the prayers of Your obedient children. People who fear You, LORD, and always think about honoring Your name will receive healing, blessing, and prosperity. You will send Your wrath and judgment on those who do not. At various times in history, You have sent Your messengers to preach about turning back. You sent the Son of Righteousness, Jesus Christ, to die for and take away the sins of anyone who turns to You in faith. People can now be divided into two groups: the righteous (those who fear and obey the LORD) and the wicked (those who rebel, disobey, and want nothing to do with You, LORD). Give those of us who do fear and obey You the strength of character to cooperate with You in turning the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers. Please send Your Holy Spirit to every straying heart to convict them of their sin, of Your righteousness, and of the judgment that will come upon them unless they repent and turn back to You. Then we will all give You everlasting glory, LORD. AMEN
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Malachi 1-4? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will show God that I love Him by intentionally obeying Him in at least one specific way each day this week.
- I will take responsibility for my own actions and attitudes before God or other people.
- I will thank God for listening to and answering my prayers.
- I will urge a person I know to turn back to God by reconciling with their parent or child.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.