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:
"It is vain to serve God." With this statement, the children of God blasphemed their Lord. I don't know many Christians who have vocalized this frustration, but we often see this kind of disrespect communicated through actions. It is so easy to forget what Jesus said was the cost of following Him in Luke 9:57-62. In this pericope, Jesus warns us that you are not guaranteed a home to call your own. Far more distressing, for many, is the risk of having to say goodbye to friends or family, or worse yet to our life plans.
When we consider the vastly superior blessings promised to us in the next life, the sacrifices still seem daunting. If we remember those blessings are intended for everyone to take part in, including our friends and family, it is no longer a sacrifice but an opportunity!
Ultimately, let us never forget that just as we communicate our love for friends and family through words AND actions, so it is equally true with our Lord.
Let your light shine!
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)
7 ANSWERS | #4 – How have we wearied you? (Malachi 2:17)