#5 – How shall we return to you? (Malachi 3:7)
Through Malachi, the Lord answers seven arguments from the people of Israel concerning their broken relationship with the Creator of the universe. For the next few weeks, we'll be considering those questions and their implication in our own lives:
The answer to our problems often seems so complicated. We stew over our questions and try to think of every which way we can get around the issue while avoiding the answer that is before us. In Malachi 3:6, the Lord said to the people of Israel, "For I the Lord do not change." In the same way that he does not change His message and expectations remain constant. Paul writes in 2 Timothy 3:16-17, "All scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be competent, equipped for every good work." This simple fact of life was evident during Paul's imprisonments, throughout the Israelite exile, and in your daily strife as well.
The Lord explains to the people of Israel that from the days of their fathers they have turned aside from His statutes and have not kept them. (Malachi 3:7) The solution is to return to the Lord and to obey His laws. This ingredient is far too often missing in our recipe for peace and comfort in God. (Philippians 4:7) Allow me to suggest that when life throws you a curveball, before all other solutions, return to God's word and rediscover the plan, He has laid out for you in the scriptures.
Let your light shine!
Next week: #6 – How have we robbed you? (Malachi 3:8)
Previous post in this series:
7 ANSWERS | #1 - How have you loved us? (Malachi 1:2)
7 ANSWERS | #2 - How have we despised your name? (Malachi 1:6f)
7 ANSWERS | #3 – Why do you not accept our offering? (Malachi 2:14)