Some “through the bible” thoughts from Malachi.
By the time we get to the book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, God’s people have been back from exile for about one hundred years. During that time, they have drifted back into some old habits.
- They are bringing imperfect animals for their sacrifices. The law clearly states that offerings must be without blemish. Anyone can spare a blind, sick, or lame animal. What kind of a sacrifice is that?
- The priests are not teaching teaching the curriculum entrusted to them. God doesn’t grade on the curve. It’s important to stick with the lesson plan.
- Couples are divorcing at an alarming rate. God had other, better plans for marriage.
- Tithes and offerings are down. People have forgotten that God will always give you more than you give him. (What church hasn’t addressed this at the end of a fiscal year?)
It’s a perfect example of how anyone can drift away from God and his ways. It doesn’t happen in a week, a month, or a year. But over decades, disciplines begin to slip. You skip a workout here and there, and suddenly, you’re only getting to the gym twice a week. A weekly phone call becomes twice a month. You cancel one dental cleaning, you blink your eyes, and suddenly it’s been two years. One travel weekend, one sick child weekend, one guests-town-weekend, and just like that you’ve missed three weeks of worship. That’s all it takes to establish a new habit.
God is not happy, but he’s not surprised by any of this. He graciously sends prophets to call people to account, to repentance, and to restoration.
It’s kind of like wading out into the ocean. You’re enjoying the warm air and the cool water. Then you look up and realize the currents have pulled you away from the place where you set up beach chairs and cooler. How did that happen?
A loving God lets us drift, but never too far away. He loves us too much. He speaks, he warns, he sends prophets, he disciplines, he loves us too much to let us drift too far away.
So the book of Malachi is both a warning and assurance that God is serious about us and our lives.
How far have you drifted? How far have I drifted?
Whoa. I’ve gotten through the Old Testament. Again. It’s been a long journey. Are you still with me?
Waite for it... 