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Created page with "Malachi means "my messenger." The prophecy of Malachi emphasizes the Day of the Lord, with its judgment of the wicked and the deliverance of a righteous remnan..."
[[Malachi]] means "my messenger." The prophecy of [[Malachi]] emphasizes the Day of the [[Lord]], with its [[judgment]] of the wicked and the deliverance of a righteous remnant from the sinful mass of people. His immediate message deals with the sins of the priests and the people of his day. These sins form the background for his prophecies of [[judgment]], certain to fall in the future.
In chapter 1 he points out contempt for the Temple sacrifices; in chapter 2 the unholy marriages with heathen nations. The priests were to blame for this situation, for they had allowed the people to enter into these unholy unions and had performed the marriages for them. It was no small thing to be a priest, for this was a gracious gift of [[God]].
Verses 5-7 of chapter 2 describe the ideal priest. He fears the [[Lord]] and obeys Him; he receives His [[Word]] and teaches it; he lives what he teaches; and he seeks to refrain from [[sin]]. But the priests of [[Malachi]] 's day actually led the people astray and defiled the holy covenant. What did [[God]] say concerning their [[sin]]? "I will curse your blessings." This ties in with [[Malachi]] 3:9 and the lack of giving tithes and offerings. Because of the people failing to give, and because of the priests' sinful ways, [[God]] cursed their crops. The people were poor and did not bring their offerings to the priests; therefore, the priests went hungry.
[[God]]'s people never gain by doing wrong. [[God]] has a perfect plan for our lives, if we will only submit ourselves to Him. Too many Christians today are guilty of taking things into their own hands. They are not willing to wait patiently upon the [[Lord]].
In chapter 3 [[God]] gives instructions concerning tithes and offerings. The people had disobeyed [[God]] in this matter and when they were not faithful in their giving they not only robbed [[God]], but they also robbed themselves. Why? Because [[God]] punished them by withholding rain for their crops. Of course, tithing is not making a bargain with [[God]], because the first 10% already belongs to Him. But it is robbery when we do not give Him the first 10%, and we will be punished for it. Tithing is a blessed privilege, and [[God]] has promised to bless and take care of those who are faithful in their stewardship to Him. Certainly [[God]] is not bankrupt. He wants our tithes and offerings as expressions of our [[faith]] and [[love]] to Him. When a believer's [[love]] for [[Jesus]] Christ grows, it always shows forth in his stewardship. [[Malachi]] closes his message with some wonderful promises to the faithful (chapters 3:16--4:6).
In chapter 1 he points out contempt for the Temple sacrifices; in chapter 2 the unholy marriages with heathen nations. The priests were to blame for this situation, for they had allowed the people to enter into these unholy unions and had performed the marriages for them. It was no small thing to be a priest, for this was a gracious gift of [[God]].
Verses 5-7 of chapter 2 describe the ideal priest. He fears the [[Lord]] and obeys Him; he receives His [[Word]] and teaches it; he lives what he teaches; and he seeks to refrain from [[sin]]. But the priests of [[Malachi]] 's day actually led the people astray and defiled the holy covenant. What did [[God]] say concerning their [[sin]]? "I will curse your blessings." This ties in with [[Malachi]] 3:9 and the lack of giving tithes and offerings. Because of the people failing to give, and because of the priests' sinful ways, [[God]] cursed their crops. The people were poor and did not bring their offerings to the priests; therefore, the priests went hungry.
[[God]]'s people never gain by doing wrong. [[God]] has a perfect plan for our lives, if we will only submit ourselves to Him. Too many Christians today are guilty of taking things into their own hands. They are not willing to wait patiently upon the [[Lord]].
In chapter 3 [[God]] gives instructions concerning tithes and offerings. The people had disobeyed [[God]] in this matter and when they were not faithful in their giving they not only robbed [[God]], but they also robbed themselves. Why? Because [[God]] punished them by withholding rain for their crops. Of course, tithing is not making a bargain with [[God]], because the first 10% already belongs to Him. But it is robbery when we do not give Him the first 10%, and we will be punished for it. Tithing is a blessed privilege, and [[God]] has promised to bless and take care of those who are faithful in their stewardship to Him. Certainly [[God]] is not bankrupt. He wants our tithes and offerings as expressions of our [[faith]] and [[love]] to Him. When a believer's [[love]] for [[Jesus]] Christ grows, it always shows forth in his stewardship. [[Malachi]] closes his message with some wonderful promises to the faithful (chapters 3:16--4:6).