Don't ignore the messenger!

 

                                             Please...

                                            Don’t ignore the messenger! 

 

   If someone suffers because they've been foolish, are you bold enough to tell them they need help? Do they listen or will they hurl abuse? Often, I would rather let them learn by experience than confront the problem. And I’d probably miss the opportunity to ease their pain. This was Malachi’s challenge, but he obeyed God, counteracted objections and spoke the truth with love. What faith and courage!

    God was about to leave the nation of Israel to its own devices. Ever since Moses had led them to the Promised Land, prophets had warned them about the consequences of ignoring God. Now he would be silent for four hundred years, and Malachi delivered this final definitive message. Although he isn’t listed by name in Hebrews 11, he is among the faith-filled prophets who withstood the tide of Israel’s rebellion. His name means messenger, and spurred on by anguish and loyalty to the Lord Almighty, he addressed with conviction the compromises that had crept into society. God had brought Israel home after seventy captive years in Babylon and helped them rebuild the temple in Jerusalem. Yet they’d slipped from fervent worship to lukewarm compromise, ignoring his abundant love, patience and expectations.

 How did they react to Malachi’s warnings?

 God’s heart overflowed with love, but they didn’t believe him.

 “I have always loved you.”

 “Really? How have you loved us?”

    Are you a parent who has done everything right for your child, but they object to your rebuke? You’ll understand how God felt. When an argument erupts, they forget about how much you love them, and that you’ve shown endless kindness and care.

    Are we any different toward God? When God allows testing, it’s easy to think he doesn’t love us, but discipline trains us to be loving, worshipping and faithful disciples, loyal followers of Jesus. Hebrews 12:11.Why should we quit on God when he disciplines us? God even loves us when we fail.

  Malachi conveyed how God felt towards them.

  “You have been contemptuous of me.”

 “How have we ever shown contempt for your name?”

     They’d sacrificed blind animals to God, using the runt of their flocks. Would they have presented their governor with a less than perfect specimen? They’d insulted God.

     It’s commonplace in our world to hear God’s name used as a curse word. Would you spit out your mother’s name if you were angry? If she has sacrificed her time and energy, given you her care and love, I doubt it, because you respect her. Yet, God created us, placed us in families, gave us a magnificent world to live in, the sun to warm us and much more. We need to open our eyes to the beauty around us and thank Him for these marvelous gifts.

 They refused to admit they’d forgotten God.

 “How can we return to you, God, if we haven’t ever left you?”

 They’d cheated God of the tithe. He implored them to fill his storehouses so there would be enough food in the Temple. And because he loved them, he promised an enormous blessing if they obeyed.

 “I will open the windows of heaven for you, and you’ll run out of room to store it. Try it! Test me! Your crops will flourish, for I will guard them from insects and disease… All nations will call you blessed because your land will be a delight.” 

 It’s easy to justify our faults. We all have them, but do they hinder us from receiving God’s blessings? We tell him we can’t change: it’s too difficult, or we think we lack the time or energy. He is patient with us. If we move forward in faith, he will enable us, and he’ll pour blessings on us from his bountiful supply. 

What else hindered God's people?

 They had lost heart.

 “What is the use of serving God?”

    Have you ever waited for an answer to your prayers? You’ve served the Lord for many years, but from your perspective, the results have been few.  The guy next door blasphemes God every day, and yet, he’s rolling in money and possessions. You do your best, but life is clouded by problems. I get it, but God rewards our faith; if not now, he will in eternity. We are his servants, and the glory belongs to him. Salvation and inner peace in the Lord are better than gold, fast cars or mansions. 

 Malachi comforted the Lord’s faithful servants, reminding them of the Lord’s mercy.

 “Those who feared the Lord spoke often with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In his presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared him and always thought about the honor of his name.” Our fellowship is sweet. Have you shared your love of Jesus today with your brother or sister in Christ? 

   And God listens! He loves us. God records our names in his book. We’re his people, his special treasure. When we’ve repented of our sins, turned to Jesus who sacrificed himself on our behalf, we have been obedient to his call. Our bodies may suffer or perish, but that isn’t the end. He will redeem and heal us because Jesus is the Sun of Righteousness, who rose from the dead ‘with healing in his wings.’

   Jesus came from his Father with a message of love and forgiveness for everyone who listens. He wants to lavish his blessings on us, and he asks for our love, gratitude, and obedience in return. Please don’t ignore the message or the messenger. When God’s day of grace ends, judgment will follow. Are you ready to meet your Maker?

 And if you’re a faithful worshipper, he has accepted your praise. He is with you, and he will reward you with a crown of righteousness. 2 Timothy 4:8.

  “Dear Lord, You are worthy of all praise. Keep my eyes and my heart focused on you, giving you the best of my life, my love, my resources and my service. They were yours before they were mine, and  I offer them back to you for your glory. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”