Attitude of Neglect

Reading: Malachi 1 - 4
My Verse:  1:11  "For from the rising of the sun to its setting My name shall be great among the nations, and in every place incense shall be offered to My name, and indeed a pure offering; for My name shall be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts."

How often You remind us of Who You are, Lord.  How patient You are.

It is almost 100 years since Cyrus sent the Israelites back to Israel, the temple has been rebuilt, but things are not well for the people, economically or spiritually.  Here Malachi points out why the people's relationship with You, God is not what it should be.  He points this out in very specific ways.

There is an attitude of neglect.  They are not offering proper offerings. "By offering polluted food on My altar." (1:7)  They are divorcing their wives. "For the Lord, the God of Israel, says; I hate divorce and marital separation. . ." (2:16)  They are condoning evil behavior by saying.   "Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord and He delights in them." (2:17)  They have become immoral.  "Then I will draw near to you for judgement; I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against the false swearers, and against those who oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, and who turn aside the temporary resident from his right and fear not Me, says the Lord of hosts." (3:5)

All this sounds so contemporary.  We today do these very things.  We neglect You, Lord by not offering up prayers to You, attending worship services, serving and honoring You in our daily lives.  Oh, Lord, help me to live today so that I honor You.  I quote Edith Schaffer's prayer here, "Guide me and guard me so the choices I make will have good consequences for others as well as for myself."

"But unto you who revere and worshipfully fear My name shall the Sun of Righteousness arise with healing in His wings and His beams, and you shall go forth and gambol like calves [released] from the stall and leap for joy."(4:2) In You only is there freedom from the bonds of sin.  In You only is there true joy.  Thank you, Lord.

Ditat Deus - God Enriches!

P.S.  I will not be blogging for the next two weeks.  We go to Pedro Bay and will not have internet access.  I should be back up on the 8th of July.  I will be praying for each of you.  God Bless!