SCRIPTURE: Malachi 2
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
For the lips of a priest ought to preserve knowledge, because he is the messenger of the LORD Almighty and people seek instruction from his mouth. But you have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to stumble; [Malachi 2:7-8]
A harsh warning to the religious leaders; they are forsaking and dishonouring the roles they perform.
They put on a great show of piety and devotion, but they do not live according to God’s will.
The main concern expressed here is how they discard their marriages without regard for their vows or for their wives.
Their example has caused the downfall of many, who look to them for direction, and follow their example.
Woe to you, teachers of the law and Pharisees, you hypocrites! You travel over land and sea to win a single convert, and when you have succeeded, you make them twice as much a child of hell as you are. [Matthew 23:15]
Jesus is speaking harsh words against the religious leaders too, and He is quite scathing of them – twice as much a child of hell!?!
They are very devoted, but not for the truth; they convert people, but not to God or His ways.
As God’s representatives (missionaries), they turn people from the way and cause many to stumble because of their teaching.
Both of these passages show God’s appointed servants full of piety and devotion, but not zealous for the truth.
Paul expresses the same concern for his people.
Brothers and sisters, my heart’s desire and prayer to God for the Israelites is that they may be saved. For I can testify about them that they are zealous for God, but their zeal is not based on knowledge. Since they did not know the righteousness of God and sought to establish their own, they did not submit to God’s righteousness. [Romans 10:1-3]
Their zeal is not based on knowledge.
This is the challenge I need to think through as I represent the Lord.
This is not just for me as a minister, but for all of us as followers of Jesus, ambassadors for the Lord of the Universe.
What is the message that we speak, and demonstrate, and is it leading others towards, or away from God?
PRAYER:
Lord, help me to see where my words, or my example, as a Jesus follower, might be misleading to others.
I am reminded of the song, ‘O be careful . . . ‘ in the reading of this passage. The people should walk in the ‘true instruction . . nothing false . . .walked with me in peace . . .and turned from sin.’ Even the priest should be the messengers of the Lord but they to have turned from the way and causing many to stumble. How’s my walk?
God has given His way to His people – this is how you should live according to His Word. Am I? Is my speech and my action the same? Do I practice what I preach. Do I walk the talk?
All of God’s people are His Champions. How are we ‘fighting’ the cause to live for Jesus. We are all living epistles – read by all those around us. Does our neighbour see Christ in us? Are we living disciples this day?
Help me to be GodStrong this day Lord to LiveStrong for Jesus.
Living for Jesus, a life that is true,
Striving to please Him in all that I do;
Yielding allegiance, glad hearted and free,
This is the pathway of blessing for me.
Refrain
O Jesus, Lord and Savior, I give myself to Thee,
For Thou, in Thy atonement, didst give Thyself for me.
I own no other Master, my heart shall be Thy throne.
My life I give, henceforth to live, O Christ, for Thee alone.
Living for Jesus Who died in my place,
Bearing on Calvary my sin and disgrace;
Such love constrains me to answer His call,
Follow His leading and give Him my all.
Refrain
Living for Jesus, wherever I am,
Doing each duty in His holy Name;
Willing to suffer affliction and loss,
Deeming each trial a part of my cross.
Refrain
Living for Jesus through earth’s little while,
My dearest treasure, the light of His smile;
Seeking the lost ones He died to redeem,
Bringing the weary to find rest in Him.
Refrain