OCTOBER 2 – Reading 275

by Marcia Rainey | October 2

“WHOLEHEARTED WORSHIP”
(Malachi 1:1-4:6)

Behold, I will send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. – Malachi 3:1

The book of Malachi closes the Old Testament, recording a dialogue between God and the Israelites. The Israelites had returned to the Promised Land from their exile in Babylon and rebuilt their temple, but the nation was still poor and struggling to worship God faithfully. In this interchange, the Israelites accuse God of failing to love them and bring about justice. God enlightens them to reason for their difficulties–the priests are offering God blemished sacrifices—blind, lame, or sick animals; and the people are breaking faith in their marriages–divorcing carelessly, marrying outside the faith covenant, and treating spouses “treacherously.” Additionally, the Israelites were refusing to bring God the full tithe, one-tenth of their income and produce. 

It’s not hard to see the parallel today: prioritizing entertainment, travel, or home repairs while failing to budget a tithe to God, or singing enthusiastically during worship on Sunday but dealing harshly or “treacherously” with family on Monday. Like Israel, we can go through religious routines, yet withhold our hearts and full obedience. Yet, there is hope.  

Malachi’s final words are remarkable. He ends with a promise: a messenger would come to prepare the way of the Lord (Mal 3:1; 4:5-6). Over four centuries later, the book of Matthew opens with John the Baptist–the “Elijah” of his day–calling people to repentance (Mt. 11:10-14). And immediately after comes Jesus, the Messiah. Truly, God gave His best–Himself–to love and redeem us. What is our proper response? May we strive, with God’s help, to respond in wholehearted devotion–in our worship, relationships, family life, and daily living. 

Simple Truth:
God is worthy of our wholehearted devotion–in worship, relationships, family life, and daily living.

Reflections:

1. How am I honoring God in my family, my stewardship, and my work/school?

    

2. Where am I tempted to give God less than my best?

    

3. God gave His very best–Himself in Jesus–so that I could be saved; how does His sacrifice compel me to serve Him with everything I have? 

Application:

1. Ask God to reveal areas of family life and stewardship that you can strengthen to offer your best to God.

    

2. Reflect on God’s gift of Himself through Jesus’ crucifixion and work of redemption on your behalf as well as the gift of the Holy Spirit indwelling you. God has given the best–Himself!

Closing Prayer:
Heavenly Father, You are the Lord God Almighty. Thank you for your steadfast love and compassionate care over our lives. Thank you for the provisions that sustain us, which come from You. Thank you for Your one and only son Jesus who redeems us through His shed blood. Thank you for Your Holy Spirit who indwells us to guide, convict, and give us hope. Help us to respond to Your undeserved grace and love with wholehearted devotion–through our worship and in our relationships. We ask for and receive Your help to honor You wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, Amen.