Foundations Week 30, Day 3

Scripture Read: Malachi 2
Title: God Rebukes the Priests and Judah

H.E.A.R. 
(H) Highlight verse: "You have wearied the LORDwith your words.  But you say, 'How have we wearied Him?'  By saying, 'Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them.'  Or by asking, 'Where is the God of justice?'"  Malachi 2

(E) Explain:  In this passage the prohet Malachi is speaking a rebuke from God to both the Priests and the nation of Judah for their unfaithfulness.  The Priests, who were called to be people of wisdom and integrity were now corrupt in action and in words.  They were causing many to stumble in their walk with God.  Much in the same way the Judah was living in rebellion to God beause they were unfaithful to God and profaned him by not keeping His covenant.  At the conclusion of the passage Malachi tells the people that they have wearied the LORD with their words.  He has grown tired because the people were knowlingly and willingly calling what was evil, good and what was good, evil.   

(A) Application:  One of the things I love most about the Minor Prophets of the Old Testament is that they didn't mince words.  They spoke with conviction (because God had called them to do so), integrity and with passion.  Often this didn't bode well for the prophet.  As a result they were persecuted, threatened and even killed for the words they spoke.  However, their message was often clear... Repent and come back to God.  Or, Be ready because God is going to discipline you all.  These messages or warnings were always delivered because Israel had been unfaithful to God and He wanted to call his chosen people back to him and he would do whatever it took to bring his people back. 

Know what we know about the Prophets of old it is safe to say that God desires faithfulness to Him.  I believe God still uses people as a voice to call people to repentance.  I believe God places individuals in our lives when we have strayed to help lead them to repentance and restoration.  I believe God calls us individually to be the voice to people in our own lives... Not as a way to abuse and manipulate others to do what we want them to do, but to truly help those walking in disobedience and rebellion back to God.  Unfortunately, like the prophets of old the message may not be well received and we may be persecuted for righteousness sake.  However, when God calls us to give the message to someone we are not responsible for the response, we are called to be faithful to God. 

Another unfortunate response is that when people are being rebellious, disobedient and unfaithful to God their minds will become corrupt.  They will begin to believe the lie that endorsed their sinful ways and believe that what is evil is good and what is good is evil. 

(R) Respond: Lord, may I be faithful to you.  May I be receptive to those you have placed in my life that speak words of truth, repentance and restoration and may I be faithful in speaking truth, repentance and restoration when you call me to do so.