Since the beginning of time, God has initiated and tried to develop a personal relationship with man. He began with a direct relationship with Adam and Eve. Then He used divine revelation to those families who followed the reluctant couple. Then God elevated some patriarchs, like Moses and Joshua, to positions of power and authority. Next, He displayed His awesome power through many miracles and mysteries. Then He communicated with kings and prophets, encouraging people to follow the One and only God. Each time, man felt he had a better plan, which often involved pride or moral failures. Before the four hundred years of silence between the Old Testament and New Testament, God spoke through Malachi, His final Old Testament messenger. The spiritual condition of God’s people was shameful, and unless they turned from their wickedness, they were headed for destruction. In the Book of Malachi, God calls His people to repentance and obedience while rebuking and warning them about five evil spirits:
- Irreverence: They failed to give God the respect that was appropriate. God rebuked the priests for their attitudes and their offerings: “‘You also say, “See, how tiresome it is!” And you view it as trivial,’ says the Lord of armies, ‘and you bring what was taken by robbery and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I accept it from your hand?’” says the Lord” (Malachi 1:13).
- Disobedience: They blatantly dismissed God’s teachings, turning away from His statutes (Malachi 3:7). “You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you say, ‘How have we wearied Him?’ In that you say, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and He delights in them,’ or, ‘Where is the God of justice?’” (Malachi 2:17).
- Impiety: They lacked devotion to their calling, having grown cynical and sarcastic. God warned the priests: “‘If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,’ says the Lord of armies, ‘then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; and indeed, I have cursed them already, because you are not taking it to heart’” (Malachi 2:2).
- Corruption: They lacked credibility and integrity in their personal and professional lives. The Lord rebuked the priests: “‘But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have ruined the covenant of Levi,’ says the Lord of armies. ‘So I also have made you despised and of low reputation in the view of all the people, since you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality in the instruction’” (Malachi 2:8-9).
- Indifference: They lost their conviction and any sense of being godly role models. “You have said, ‘It is pointless to serve God; and what benefit is it for us that we have done what He required?’” (Malachi 3:14a).
These cautions are still relevant today. We must remain faithful. Reading, meditating on, and being obedient to God’s Word, praying, and following the Holy Spirit’s guidance are essential to maintaining our faith and relationship with God. Engaging in Christian community and serving others will bring spiritual maturity and strengthen our faith. Above all, we must remember who God is and praise Him for all that He has done for us and because He is Elohim, the One and only God.
Scripture Reading: Psalm 92:1-4
Personal Application: Praising God puts us in the right posture with a correct perspective. God is pursuing a relationship with you today. What are you doing to pursue Him? What steps will you take today to remain faithful?
Jim Grassi, D. Min.
We cherish any verse in Scripture that reminds us to keep focused and intentional about evangelism and discipleship. “But you, keep your head in all situations, endure hardship, do the work of an evangelist, discharge all the duties of your ministry.” 2 Timothy 4:5