Passage
Malachi 2:17-3:12 (ESV)
Take Words with You
Hosea 14:1-9
Key Verse: 14:2
The Lord You Are Seeking Will Come
Date: Dec. 29, 2014
Daily Bread
Key Verse: 3:1b
First, where is the Lord? (2:17-3:1) During Malachi's time there was much corruption, but there seemed to be no consequence. So people said, "Where is the God of justice?" Even though the time when Israel was taken captive by the Babylonians was fairly recent, each one lived as if there would be no day of judgment. Malachi promised that the Lord would surely come. He would send his messenger first, to prepare the way (John the Baptist). Suddenly God whom they had wearied with their words would appear.
Second, who can endure the day of his coming? (2-12) When God comes among sinful men, he is like a refiner's fire. His judgment will be swift and complete. In light of his judgment God demanded Jacob to return to him. When they withhold their offerings, and especially the offering of themselves, they rob God. When they repent and live as those offered to the Lord by his grace, they experience blessing, and they become a blessing to all nations.
Prayer: Lord, help me to return to you and live with faith in your coming. Accept my life as an offering for you.
One Word: Return to the Lord
