Burned Malachi 4:1

As “the LORD of hosts” dealt with the faults of the nation of Israel, Malachi the prophet recorded the errors He found. However, among the group of people who were against the Lord's way were found those who “feared the Lord”, and God promised a “book of remembrance”, His ownership, and ability to discern those who were righteous and those who were wicked to this faithful group. In chapter four and verse one of Malachi, we learn more concerning the fate of those who were against the Lord where we read:

For, behold, the day comes, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yes, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that comes shall burn them up, says the of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.

The verse begins, “For, behold, the day comes, that shall burn as an oven;” The word “For” in this case means “because, since or on account of” and is a continuation in thought of the eighteenth verse of chapter three. There is a contrast drawn between those who “feared the Lord” and those who do not. Malachi wrote “behold” or “look, beware, or observe” “the day comes”, which is a “certain time period or length of time”, “that shall burn as an oven” which means to “kindle, consume or remove as in an furnace, fire-pot or stove” as a means of judgment and removal of those who are opposed to the Lord.

The verse goes on to say, “and all the proud, yes, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that comes shall burn them up, says the LORD of hosts,...” The Lord spoke specifically to “all the proud” who are the “arrogant, insolent and presumptive” and confirms His words with a “yes, and all that do” which means “fashion, accomplish, make or produce” “wickedly” or “unrighteousness and guilt in civil, ethical and religious” relationships. These evil doers “shall be stubble” or “as chaff or straw”, and ominously “the LORD of hosts” repeated the idea of them burning by stating “and the day that comes shall burn them up”.

Finally the verse says, “that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.” This “burning” shall be so complete that “it shall leave them neither root” which is “the lowest part of a thing, the base, or foundation” “nor branch” which refers to “the covering, outer growth, and overhanging” within them. In other words, nothing will be left of their pernicious ways when this thorough, consuming day comes.

As we ponder these words, we may find them daunting and apocalyptic. However, upon further thought, we may also find them refreshing. As long as we are not within the group of people who do not fear the Lord, we may welcome the purification of the proud and the wicked. But, if we find ourselves not in awe and respect of the Lord, and we have no true regard for “the LORD of hosts”, we may not relish the idea of being burned and removed as “stubble” or chaff. May the Lord reveal to us to which group of people we belong, and may we pledge our allegiance to the one who knows when the day of burning will come.

Next time we shall see the benefits of being those who fear the Lord's name, 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.

The Righteous and the Wicked Malachi 3:18

According to the writings of the prophet Malachi, “the LORD of hosts” said most of the people within the nation of Israel were at fault before Him. They worshiped Him with contempt, dealt treacherously with their wives, said evil was good, wondered where the God of judgment was, robbed the Lord through their tithes and offerings, and wondered what profit there was in serving God. There was, however, a group of people among them who “feared the Lord”, spoke of Him to one another, and whose names were written in a “book of remembrance” before the Lord for their behalf. In chapter three and verse eighteen of Malachi we learn more about these who “feared the Lord” whom the Lord claimed as His own peculiar treasure. We read:

Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serves God and him that serves him not.

The verse begins, “Then shall you return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked,...” The first action mentioned for being the Lord's jewel is “you shall return” which means “to come or go back, refresh, restore or repent”. Then they will “discern” or “see, look at, inspect, perceive, consider and have vision” “between the righteous” which refers to “the just, lawful, right and correct” “and the wicked” which refers to the “criminal, hostile, and guilty of sin”. These “jewels” of the Lord who were to be “spared” by the Lord would return to Him and have the ability to discern righteous and wicked people.

The verse goes on to say, “...between him that serves God and him that serves him not.” Not only would they be able to “discern between the righteous and the wicked” but they will also “discern” between the one who “serves God” which means “works for, labors for and makes himself as a servant for” the Lord and “him that serves him not” which refers to those who do not “work for, labor for or make themselves” as a servant of the Lord. This might seem like an easy task, however, we remember that there were those among the people of Israel who were simply playing the part of worshiping servants and those who were worshiping the Lord in spirit and in truth.

Spiritual discernment is a gift from the Lord, and the promise to these who “feared the Lord” was they would be able to “discern”. Not only would they “return” to the Lord, but their doing so would give them abilities to “discern” that were not with them before. As we allow this scripture to sink deep within our spirits, perhaps we too will be motivated to “return” to the Lord, and should He gift us with the ability to “discern” between the “righteous and unrighteous” and “him that serves God and him that serves him not” let everything we do bring glory to His Holy Name and His Holy Son's Name – Jesus.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see how the Lord deals with the wicked, 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.

They Shall Be Mine Malachi 3:17

As “the LORD of hosts” addressed the nation of Israel through the prophet Malachi, He brought to their attention several faults He found within them. Nevertheless, there was a group of people among them who “feared the LORD”, spoke to one another often, and “thought upon his name”. These people had a “book of remembrance written before him for them”, and in chapter three and verse seventeen of Malachi the Lord shares more about this special group of people where we read:

And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.

The verse begins, “And they shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels;” In addition to this “book of remembrance” being written, this group of people were claimed by “the LORD of hosts” - “they shall be mine” which means “to be told, to be said, to be called, to avow and avouch” as His own. The Lord identifies when He will do this - “in the day when I make up my jewels” which means “possession, property, valued property or peculiar treasure”. Not only will this group of God fearing believers be claimed as the Lord's own, but God considers them His “peculiar treasure”.

The verse continues, “and I will spare them, as a man spares his own son that serves him.” Not only are these people owned and treasured by the Lord, but His promise is to “spare them” which means “spare, pity, and have compassion on” them. The Lord compares is to the manner in which “a man spares his own son that serves him” or “labors for, works for or is compelled to work for” him. No doubt as a father gives favor to his faithful laboring son, so will the Lord be toward those who are faithful and servants to Him.

While we meditate upon these words, let us examine ourselves to determine whether the Lord would find us among this group who feared the Lord, served Him, were claimed by Him, were known as His peculiar treasure, and were protected by His mighty hand. No doubt this is an enviable group in which most people would desire to belong, however the question is whether they are God fearing and faithful servants. In the book of First Peter in chapter two and verse nine we read:

But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that you should show forth the praises of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:

May the Lord help us to be the “peculiar people” who place our trust, faithfulness, service and reliance upon Him.

Next time we shall see the Lord distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, 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.

Them that Feared the Lord Malachi 3:16

Malachi the prophet recorded the words of “the LORD of hosts” as He declared fault after fault with the nation of Israel. In the midst of their worshiping the Lord with contempt, dealing with their wives treacherously, speaking evil words, robbing God with their tithes and offerings, and speaking brazenly against the Lord, Malachi chapter three and verse sixteen shows us there were some among the people of Israel who actually “feared the Lord” where we read:

Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.

The verse begins, “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another:” The phrase, “then they that feared” is the Hebrew word “yare'” and means “fearing, reverent or afraid”. This group of people within the nation of Israel gave respect and awe to “the LORD”, and “spoke often” which means “to declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, or sing” “one to another” about Him.

The verse continues, “and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him...,” The result of this group speaking about the LORD was “the LORD hearkened” which means He “heard, was attentive to, heeded, inclined (of ears), attended (of ears), paid attention to, and listened to” “and heard it” which also means “hear or listen to” but implies activity and understanding concerning what is said. These things heard and listened to were “written” in a “book of remembrance before Him” which was a “memorial or reminder” of the things that were said.

Finally the verse says, “...for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.” The purpose for the “book of remembrance” was “for them that feared the LORD” which refers to those who held the Lord in high esteem and honor. These were in awe and respect of the Lord, and therefore the “book of remembrance” was written on their behalf. Another trait found within these people was they “thought” or “plan, esteem, calculate, invent, make a judgment, imagine, or count” “upon his name” which refers to the Lord's “reputation, fame and glory”. Rather than impute the Lord with the charges of those who were in opposition to Him, this group of people thought about the character and reputation of the Lord. For this the “book of remembrance” was written.

As we think through the line of thought provided by the prophet Malachi, we have discovered two groups of people. The first group are those who willfully disobey the Lord and go against His ways. This group decided that the Lord is aloof, uncaring and not really involved in their lives. The second group are “God-fearing, respecting, admiring and willfully obedient”, and this is the group of which the Lord takes special note. The question before us is, “Within which group do we find ourselves?” Are with with them who fear the Lord and give reverence to His name, or are with with those who believe the Lord is uncaring and aloof? May the Lord help us to know the more desirable group and find ourselves steadfast within it.

Next time we shall see as the Lord calls the people his jewels, 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.

The Proud, The Wicked, and The God Tempters Malachi 3:15

According to “the LORD of hosts”, as recorded by the prophet Malachi, the people within the nation of Israel were speaking “stout” or “brazen and courageous” words against the Lord. Though they wondered where they did this, the Lord told them they declared it “vain” and unprofitable to serve the Lord. In chapter three and verse fifteen the Lord continues to tell the people more ways they spoke contrary to Him where we read:

And now we call the proud happy; yes, they that work wickedness are set up; yes, they that tempt God are even delivered.

The verse begins, “And now we call the proud happy;” The people of Israel were so bold to speak against God that they “call the proud” or the “arrogant, insolent, presumptuous” “happy” which literally means “to go straight, walk, go on, advance, make progress or righten”. The idea is that those who were the proudest among them were considered to be the leaders of the proper way they should be.

The verse continues, “ yes, they that work wickedness are set up;” In addition to the people naming the “proud” as leaders, they also “set up” or “built, established, or caused to continue” those who “work wickedness” which means “fashion, accomplish, make or produce unrighteousness in civil, ethical and religious relationships”. Once again they promoted workers of unrighteousness rather than those who followed the Lord.

Finally the verse says, “ yes, they that tempt God are even delivered.” As though the proud and wicked being promoted were not bad enough, the Lord added that they “delivered” which means “allow to slip away, escape or save” “they that tempt God” or “those who examine, scrutinize, try, or prove God”. This group of people were so proud and arrogant that they felt they could put God on trial by tempting and trying Him to prove Himself. Even so, the people of Israel exalted these people rather than restricting their behavior.

As we think about these words, one thing is for certain: we do not want to be a part of this group of people. Let's look once again at their basic traits. They were proud, wicked, and tempters of God, and the most troublesome part of this was the people of the nation of Israel were exalting them rather than speaking against their atrocious behavior. As we ponder these traits, do we see those in our world today who have these characteristics? Are they exalted by the people, or are they spoken against? It is one thing to look upon the nation of Israel and critique their behavior towards these people, and it is quite another to examine ourselves. May the Lord help us to know when people exhibit these horrific traits against Him, and may He give us the wisdom of how to react to them when they do.

Next time we learn about the Lord's “book of remembrance”, 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.

Vain to Serve God? Malachi 3:14

In the book of Malachi the prophet, Malachi records several faults with the nation of Israel in their relationship with “the LORD of hosts”. Among them was that their “words have been stout” or brazen, bold and courageous against the Lord. Because the people of the nation wondered where they spoke like this, in chapter three and verse fourteen, the Lord shares specifically the way they used their words against Him where we read:

You have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

The verse begins, “You have said, It is vain to serve God:” In answer to their question, “What have we spoken so much against you?” the Lord answered that they said, “It is vain” or “emptiness, vanity, falsehood, nothingness or worthless” “to serve” which means “ work for or labor for” “God”. In other words, the people said their was no advantage for themselves to serve the Lord, and the implication is “why should we serve the Lord, there is no advantage to us for doing so”.

The verse continues, “and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts? The Lord continues with their words as they questioned, “and what profit” which means “unjust gain or gain acquired by violence” “is it that we have kept his ordinance” or “guarded, taken heed to or observed” his “charge, function, obligation, service, or watch”. They added, “and that we have walked mournfully” which means “in a mourning dress” as though one is going to a funeral “before” or “in the face of” “the LORD of hosts”. The people of the nation of Israel knew they were operating within the “face” or full view of the Lord, and still wondered what advantage it was to them to do so.

When we think about how brazen these words are before the Lord's face, we may be inclined to wonder if it would have been safe to be around these people. It is never “vain” to serve the Lord, and though there may be times when it seems “unprofitable” to keep His ways, the Lord is making an account of everything we do and keep for Him. When there are times to “walk mournfully” before Him, we give the greatest “awe” and “respect” to the Lord that He well deserves, and when we think about how the Lord Jesus came to serve His Father, keep His ordinances, and walk through the mournful activities of His trial, scourging, and the cross, we shall have nothing in compare to know the profit which comes from His efforts. May the Lord help us all to never speak “stoutly” against Him.

Next time we see more of the things the people said against the Lord, 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.

Words Spoken against the Lord Malachi 3:13

The prophet Malachi recorded the words of “the LORD of hosts” as He brought forth indictments against the people within the nation of Israel. They were worshiping Him with contempt, dealing with their wives treacherously, saying evil was good, and robbing God in their tithes and offerings. As though the previous faults within them were not enough, the Lord continues His charges against the nation of Israel in chapter three and verse thirteen where we read:

Your words have been stout against me, says the LORD. Yet you say,

What have we spoken so much against you?

The verse begins, “Your words have been stout against me, says the LORD.” The Lord said, “Your words” which refers to their “speech, uttering, or sayings” “have been stout” which means “to strengthen, prevail, harden, be strong, become strong, be courageous, be firm, grow firm, be resolute, or be sore” “against me”. In other words, the people were bold and courageous enough to speak their words contrary to the Lord.

The verse goes on to say, “Yet you say, What have we spoken so much against you?” Once again the people's response is to question. “What have we spoken” which means “to speak, declare, converse, command, promise, warn, threaten, or sing” “against you”? As though they were oblivious to the charges made against them, the people of the nation of Israel questioned what the Lord was saying.

As we ponder these words, let us use our imaginations for a moment and picture ourselves as the ones being indicted by the Lord. How do we respond when He reveals our flaws? Do we boldly question what is being said, or do we humble ourselves and admit the charges that are found? Do we act oblivious to the indictments, or do we attempt to see what the Lord has shown us? Whenever the people of Israel became bold and courageous enough to speak “stout” words against the Lord, it was necessary to enlighten them. Perhaps next time we feel emboldened enough to bring cause and accusation against the Lord, we shall remember what “the LORD of hosts” said to them.

Next time we see the Lord tell the nation of Israel what they have said against Him, 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.

All Nations Blessing Israel Malachi 3:12

The prophet Malachi wrote “The LORD of host's” words which indicted the nation of Israel for several faults. Among them was their robbing God in tithes and offerings. The Lord's desire was to bless the people of the nation, however because of their larceny they received a curse. The Lord beckoned them to return to and prove Him with their tithes, and He promised to open the windows of heaven, rebuke the devourer, and not allow the fruit of their fields or vines to be unproductive if they did. In chapter three and verse twelve we see another blessing which would come upon Israel if they would only obey. We read:

And all nations shall call you blessed:

for you shall be a delightsome land, says the LORD of hosts.

The verse begins, “And all nations shall call you blessed:” Malachi wrote “all the nations” which refers to “people from the nations all over the world” “shall call you blessed” which literally means “to go straight, walk, go on, advance, make progress or pronounce happy”. In other words, when people from around the world saw the prosperity of the nation of Israel, they would comment upon how “happy and advanced” their conditions made them.

The verse goes on to say, “for you shall be a delightsome land, says the LORD of hosts.” The Lord goes on to tell them “you shall be a delightsome” or “pleasurable or desireable” “land”. When people look upon the nation of Israel after the Lord blesses them, they will see pleasure, happiness, and an enviable place to be within the nation.

Let us think about what is being said in these words, “All the nations”. Every nation throughout the world, whether believing or non-believing in God, would look upon the nation of Israel and bless them. The prosperity of Israel would be the envy of the world, and those who look upon them would desire to be as they are. All of this is promised by “the LORD of hosts” if only they would return to him and prove Him with their tithes. As we ponder this idea, can we picture ourselves in the nation of Israel's position? Would we desire to be called “blessed” and “delightsome” among those with whom we have to do? May the Lord fasten this truth deep within our souls that we may ever understand that His mighty outstretched hand is ready to bless those who will simply obey what He says.

Next time we see yet another indictment against the nation of Israel, 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.

More Benefits of Tithing Malachi 3:11

Malachi the prophet recorded the words of “the LORD of hosts” against the nation of Israel who were robbing Him in their tithes and offerings. Although they acted as though they knew nothing of the sort, the fact that they were “cursed with a curse” verified that they did. The Lord instructed them to “bring all the tithes into the storehouse” and “prove” Him as to whether He would “open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” In Malachi chapter three and verse eleven, the Lord adds to the blessing that would be afforded them if they obeyed His command to tithe. We read:

And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says the LORD of hosts.

The verse begins, “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground;” The word “and” indicates a continuance of the blessings promised from the verse before, and the Lord promises “I will rebuke” which means “to reprove or restrain as with a loud commanding voice or to entreat with groans” “the devourer” which is “to eat up, burn up or consume” “for your sakes” or “for their benefit”. If we use our imaginations we can visualize the Lord standing and rebuking the “devourer” with a loud voice on behalf of the nation of Israel simply because they obeyed Him and tithed.

The verse goes on to say, “neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, says the LORD of hosts.” “The LORD of hosts” adds “neither shall your vine” which literally means “twig” and refers to “a plant which has twigs such as a cucumber vine” “cast her fruit” or “to be bereaved, make childless, or miscarry” “before the time in the field” which refers to “the full length of time until the harvest of the field in which they are planted”. In other words, the nation of Israel rather than having the fruit of their fields drop off too early for harvesting would see that their fruit would come to full term, and there would be an abundance of food among them.

As we ponder these two additional benefits to the nation of Israel tithing, we may wonder why they would ever desire to attempt to “hide” their tithes from the Lord at all. The Lord's promise is to withstand the “devourer” and abundantly bless the fruit of their fields. When we apply this to our lives we too should see the benefit of bringing all “tithes into the storehouse”, and this same God who promised these things to the nation of Israel will bring blessing in our lives as well. May we be obedient unto Him, and may we see the benefits for complying with His will with our tithes.

Next time we see the reaction of surrounding nations to Israel because they tithe, 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.

Prove Me Now with Tithes Malachi 3:10

The prophet Malachi wrote “the LORD of host's” indictments against the nation of Israel and it's priests. Among the charges against them was their “robbing” of God because they held back on their tithes and offerings. Because of this, the Lord told them they were “cursed with a curse”, and He included the whole nation within His accusation. In chapter three and verse ten, “the LORD of hosts” told them what to do about their tithing and the blessings that would come because of their obedience. We read:

Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, says the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.

The verse begins, “Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith, says the LORD of hosts,...” The first word of instruction employed by “the LORD of hosts” is “Bring” which means “to go in, enter, come in or lead in”, and its very essence shows activity. In opposition to their current behavior, the nation of Israel was to “Bring all the tithes in to the storehouse” which was “a treasure house or place where valuables are kept”. The reason given is “that there may be meat” which literally means “green leaf” and implies “food, prey or spoil” “in my house” which is “a dwelling place, receptacle or shelter”. The Lord's challenge was to “prove me now herewith” or “examine, try or scrutinize” Him with their obedience to tithing. In other words, “the LORD of hosts” challenged the nation of Israel to put Him to the test by bringing their tithes first into His house the way He instructed them to do.

The verse continues, “if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing,...” The first promised blessing that would come from their obedience would be to see “if I will not open you the windows of heaven” which means “release, throw open or loose” the “lattice, gates or sluice” “of heaven”. The idea is that the “channel, flume, gate or flush” of “the abode of God” will be opened widely for those who bring in the tithes. The second blessing would be that the Lord will “pour you out a blessing” which means “to empty or empty out prosperity, praise of God, a present, gift or treaty of peace” upon them. It is as though the Lord stood ready to release His blessings upon the nation of Israel if they would bring in the tithes to His house first.

Finally the verse says, “that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” As though the windows of heaven being opened would not be sufficient, “the LORD of hosts” added “there shall not be room” or “sufficiency or abundant space” to handle all that He desired to give to them. Let us remember, the Lord desired for them to prove Him with this promise.

As we think about this wonderful promise of the Lord to the nation of Israel, let us consider how it applies to us. Do we bring the “tithes” into His house – first? Do we consider that we may be cutting off our own blessings by not doing as He commanded? Let the Lord deal with each of our hearts as we ponder His promise to the people of Israel, and may the conditions He set forth be applied to our lives that we too may “prove” Him at His word.

Next time we see more benefits of tithing to the Lord, 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.

Cursed with a Curse Malachi 3:9

In the prophecy of Malachi, “The LORD of hosts” brought indictments against the nation of Israel for their ways that were not like His. They worshiped with contempt. They dealt with their wives treacherously. They wearied the Lord with their words because they called evil – good, and they were robbing God by withholding their tithes and offerings. Even though all these rebellious ways were among them, the Lord called for them to “return to” Him, and He promised He would “return to” them. In chapter three and verse nine of Malachi we see the result of the people robbing God with their tithes and offerings where we read:

You are cursed with a curse: for you have robbed me, even this whole nation.

The verse begins, “You are cursed with a curse:” Because the nation of Israel did not tithe and bring offerings unto the Lord, they were “cursed” which is the Hebrew word “'arar” and means “to cause or produce a curse, to abhor, detest or be shunned” “with a curse” which is the Hebrew word “meerah” which means “execration, abhorrence, detestation, condemnation, denunciation and loathing”. In other words, the nation of Israel incurred a curse that caused them to be abhorred by the Lord.

The verse continues, “for you have robbed me, even this whole nation.” As though the indictment of “robbing God” was not sufficient the first time, the Lord gives the reason “for” their curse - “you have robbed me” which once again is the Hebrew word “qaba” as we saw in the previous verse. Then, to be clear about who the perpetrators of theft were, the Lord says, “even this whole nation” which included “the whole confluence or body of people who lived in the nation of Israel”. Everyone was guilty of robbing God, and the result of their larceny was a curse.

It is interesting as we thing about this verse for a while to consider that it isn't as though God put a curse upon Israel for robbing Him, but rather He shares with them the result of their theft. It is almost as if they once again did not identify their “cursed” position, and so God informed them. The natural results of robbing God is that a curse came upon them, and once again, it wasn't just brought upon a select few, it was the entire nation. Perhaps as we consider these things the Lord will impress upon us some place wherein we have “robbed” Him, and we also may ponder the idea of our nation “robbing God” as well. May the Lord reveal to us and our nation any area in which we are not in alignment with Him, and may He be gracious enough to lift any curse that is the result of following our ways rather than His.

Next time we see the Lord's instruction and blessing concerning tithing, 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.

Robbing God Malachi 3:8

According to the prophet Malachi, “The LORD of hosts” desired to receive and regard the offerings and sacrifices of the people of the nation of Israel. However, they were practicing ways that were not in line with the Lord's ways, and they needed correction. The Lord told them to “return unto me, and I will return unto you”, but they wondered, “Wherein shall we return?”. In chapter three and verse eight we see the Lord's answer to their question where we read:

Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me. But you say,

Where have we robbed you? In tithes and offerings.

The verse begins, “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed me.” Upon first glance, this may seem to be a strange question, “Will a man rob God?”, and we might wonder how this could be. The word “rob” in Hebrew is “qaba” and literally means “high and rounded” as in a “covering”, so the idea is “hiding”, as though someone could “hide” something from God. The Lord said, “Yet you have robbed me” which again employs the word “qaba” and is an indictment from Him. Though the people could not “hide” anything from the Lord, their actions revealed the larceny within them.

The verse continues, “Where have we robbed you?” Once again we see the people wondering what the Lord meant by His indictment of them. This entire question is once again the word “qaba” , and we can almost picture them with innocent looking faces looking up like a child who just got caught with his hand in the cookie jar saying, “qaba” or “What, where have we robbed you?”

Finally the verse says, “In tithes and offerings.” The Lord's answer was quick and direct - “In tithes” which means “tenth part or payment of the tenth part”, and “offerings” which is “a contribution, an oblation, or a gift”. Kings in that day were used to receiving gifts from their subjects, and those who desired favor from Him would often bless the King with their offerings. We may remember how the wise men “brought gifts” unto Jesus because He was to be the “King of the Jews” . Not only were the people of Israel not giving the Lord the “ten percent” tithe of their incomes, but they were robbing God of the offerings He so deserved.

This is one of the most controversial and convicting verses within Malachi's prophecy. Whenever the topic of money arises in church circles there have been so many examples of mismanagement, theft, larceny, and lack, that people have a difficult time following the Lord's command to tithe never mind bring an offering to Him. In Second Corinthians chapter nine and verse seven Paul the apostle wrote:

Every man according as he purposes in his heart, so let him give; not grudgingly, or of necessity: for God loves a cheerful giver.

Though much more can be written about this idea of robbing God in tithes and offerings, for now let us keep our focus upon the indictment the Lord brought against the nation of Israel, and see if we were standing among them if His indictment would apply to us. I pray the Lord will deal with all our hearts accordingly.

Next time we see the result of robbing the Lord, 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.