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.
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