Christian Living

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The book of Malachi, written about 450 BC, is the last book in the Old Testament. It is a unique book in that God confronts His chosen people (Israelites) with questions pertaining to their lack of respect toward Him. God lists a number of areas in which His people have failed to live up to the covenant that God had made with their forefathers. Malachi functions in a limited capacity as an assistant prosecuting attorney. God speaks in 47 of the 55 verses. The Jew’s responses to the charges were met with total denial. Let us look into the transcript of this “spiritual action suit” and get the facts as they were presented.

God starts out by stating how much He loved them. From the beginning of their conception as a chosen people, God gave them everything they would ever need on their journey of life. God stood with them through thick and thin. He stepped in when they made a wrong turn and were facing annihilation. He was there with His outstretched arms to comfort. He was there twenty-four/seven to instruct, direct, and guide. He forgave them more times than one could remember. Yet, the people countercharged by saying, “How have you loved us?” They were more concerned with what they failed to get than with what God had given them. God accused them of not showing Him honor, of not fearing Him, and even of despising His name. Their response was basically that those charges were bogus. God responded by pointing out that the sacrifices of blemished animals made a mockery unto Him. He stated that they didn’t care what they sacrificed, just as long as they fulfilled their religious duty. God charged the Priests for their departure from the Truth. They presented their own interpretation of the Truth, and, as a result, caused many to stumble. God was offended by the spiritual adultery they committed and even the intermarriage with those who did not know Him. Divorce was promoted, even though God hated it. God told them they had wearied Him with their words and worship. Their response was simply, “How?” He responded by rebuking them for not dealing with sin, calling the sinners good people, and saying that God delighted in them. Their attitude was that God was not going to do anything about it. (Read Malachi, chapters 1 and 2.)

God moves on with His charges against them. He desires to know why they robbed Him. They responded with their continuing naivety by asking, “How have we robbed you?” The answer was simple: “In tithes and offerings.” God told them that because of not giving Him what He commanded, they were cursed with a curse. God told them if they would bring their tithes into the storehouse, He would open the windows of Heaven and bless them bountifully. He would also rebuke the devourer for their sakes. God continues to bombard His people by claiming their words were harsh and full of arrogance against Him. The defendants again claimed ignorance. God pointed out that their attitude was that all their efforts to serve Him were in vain. (Read Malachi, chapter 3.)

The “spiritual action suit” concluded with God announcing that there was hope on the horizon. Even in the middle of “the hearing,” God pointed to a resolve that would give His people another chance at restoration. He would send a forerunner that would prepare His people for His messenger. (Malachi 3:1) God’s closing argument is that He has not ceased to love His people and would send “Elijah” (John the Baptizer) to turn the hearts of His people. (Read Malachi, chapter 4.)

As people read the transcripts of this Hearing, they seem to center on the tithing aspect, instead of the other concerns of God. (Why do we think Tithing centers on money only?) Maybe we think we get more out of Tithing. Just think of receiving a bounty we don’t even have room to receive, or having Satan rebuked from our finances. We seem to hear God say, “Where is my money” instead of “Where is my honor and respect?” What about honoring, fearing, respecting our God? What about our horizontal relationships? What about dealing with sin in our lives? What about Pastors editorializing the Scripture instead of teaching what God intended? Instead of emphasizing the materialistic benefits of Kingdom living, let us learn to please God by honoring Him with our complete devotion.

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