We enter into the last book
of the Old Testament with the message of one called “Malachi”
which means “my angel or my messenger”. The time is around 420
B.C. when Malachi penned these words, and they were directed toward
Israel who neglected not only their proper order in the rebuilt
temple, but also their relationship with God Almighty and one
another. In chapter one and verse one we are introduced to “Malachi”
and “the burden of the word of the LORD” of which he wrote
to Israel. We read:
The burden of the word
of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.
The
verse begins, “The burden of the word of the LORD...”
Malachi employed the word
“burden” which
means “load, bearing, tribute, burden, lifting”, and he
gave the source of this “burden” - “of the word of the
Lord”. The message Malachi intended for his readers was a heavy
one, and as with all the prophecies of the Old Testament they were to
regard these words as serious.
The
verse continues, “...to Israel by Malachi.” Malachi
directed his words to “Israel” which means “God prevails
or governed by God”. “Israel” was to be the benefactors
of these prophecies, and since it was to be the last time God spoke
through his word until the coming of John the Baptist and Jesus, they
were to regard His words closely. “Malachi” introduced
himself as the author of these words, and as the “messenger” of
the Lord, he shared them faithfully and sincerely.
As we
ponder the beginning of this book, perhaps it will help us to imagine
ourselves with the responsibility of carrying the “burden of the
word of the LORD” to our nation. What if we were the designated
“messenger” of God? Would we be faithful and sincere to the task
regardless of the message's reception or outcome? As we put ourselves
in Malachi's place, let us constantly be aware that we also have the
message of the gospel of Jesus Christ to present to the world, and
may the Lord help us to be as faithful with “the burden of the
word of the LORD” as was Malachi.
Next
time we see God's love for Israel and their questioning of it,
so read ahead, and we shall join together then.
Until
tomorrow...there is more...
Look
for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From
Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be
Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the
Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ;
www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at
www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.
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