R³ Devotional - Day 273

Wow! We have been on a long journey. As we are closing the Old Testament, we read
Malachi. You would think it’s a happy sweet book because it comes right before the
gospels, that people are in the rebuilt temple offering real and truthful offerings or
worship.

Unfortunately, it’s the complete opposite situation.

Its first three chapters, the author is sharing God’s message to his people as a dialogue.
In a nutshell, God is telling them they have been unfaithful, misbehaved and disrespected Him. The priests are a sham, they know how sacrifices should be made and have been giving the least and most despicable offerings. Nevertheless, chapters 3 and 4 share the prophecy that there will be a messenger (John the Baptist) preparing the way for Jesus. Who will come to renew and refine his people.

Real: Life Principles
 
 God loves us: As we have read in the entire OT, we see how God has loved his
people and is proof He loves us. The mighty things He has done for them
represent that amazing love He has for them and still does.

 God is dishonored with blemished offerings: I don’t know what His people in
this time thought, I believe they thought “let’s do this our way, no one will never
know”. Hey! God is watching, He knows!! What we give Him must be the best.
Always!

 God is asking for faithfulness and integrity: The Israelites during this time
were unfaithful with God and their wives too; by this time, we all know God
loathes it. He wants us whole, not in pieces. He wants our faithfulness and to
also demonstrate it in different areas of our lives. This makes me ask: are we
walking the walk we talk?

Relevant: Life Applications
 
 God loves us and we don’t have to doubt it: The representation of the
Israelites when they ask in verse 1:2 “How have you loved us?” makes me
remember when I was young and impertinent with my parents. I would ask
things, thinking I was smarter or trying to make them feel they had failed on
something; just to find out minutes later, I needed to get under a rock, and I was
utterly wrong. God loves us so much and through the reading and study of His
word we can learn it. Daily in the big and the small He still demonstrates it.
Ponder on how He has blessed you until now.

 Walk the talk: Israelites had made a promise to God and were not living up to it.
Are we calling ourselves (or writing in the headings of our social media pages)
“Believers”, “Christians”, “Jesus follower” but are we really living up to it? Are we
living in integrity? Are we faithful in and out of church? Or do people know two
versions of us? Are we living the: “yeah! Let’s keep on rolling... no one will ever
know” lifestyle? Well, you know now how it works. God does know, and he
doesn’t like it.

 What are we bringing to God? Are we bringing to the altar the best or just our
leftovers (it can be applied to time, service, money, attention, worship)? Thanks
God we no longer need to offer a sacrifice; Jesus was the perfect sacrifice. But in
Romans 12:1 we are urged to offer ourselves as a living sacrifice. For Christians
honoring God as “living sacrifices”, means surrendering to Him entirely and
trusting every aspect of our lives under His complete control.

Ready: Life Actions

 Daily think at least on 5 blessings God has given you and thank Him. Be intentional
on reminding yourself God loves you and takes care of you in the big and small aspects
of life.

 If you have recently become a Christian or are not sure on how to walk the talk;
please read and study the book of Ephesians, it’s a short but amazing letter written by
Paul that contains instructions for Christian living applied to different areas of our lives.

 Are you struggling to walk the talk? Remember we have a gracious and forgiving
Father. Confess and repent, share with Him in prayer what’s causing you not to walk in
integrity. Let Him take care of it. Remember He is molding you, surrender completely
and let Him work. Find an accountability partner (can be a Christian mentor, leader or
teacher) that is willing to hear you, support you and give you godly advice during this
process.

Dear God,
Thank you for loving me, for my family and friends, for providing for each of my needs.
Forgive me if I have been unfaithful or been living a double life. I need you and want to
honor you in every single aspect of my life. Make everyday be more of you and less of
me. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.