The Daily Word: Thursday, December 30th, 2021
Malachi 1:1-2:17
Revelation 21:1-27
Psalm 149:1-9
Proverbs 31:10-24
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Commentary from Pastor Michael White:
May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob the man who does this, being awake and aware, yet who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts! – Mal. 2:12
It is true that God is love (1 Jn. 4:8). Yet it is not true that God’s love enables Him to ignore sin. Here was Israel’s problem: they honored Him in public, yet disrespected Him in private. Malachi 2 speaks specifically to the marriage covenant. Judah “profaned the Lord’s holy institution [of marriage] which He loves” (Mal. 2:11). From a relational perspective, they dishonored their marriage covenants between husband and wife. From a spiritual perspective, they dishonored their covenant with God by seeking after idols!
In response, the Lord “cut off” the men who dishonored His name. The fruit of saying you love God in public (preachers: especially from the pulpit!) while dishonoring Him in private is separation from the blessings of God. You cannot cling to the world while you cling to Jesus! You must let go of everything and everyone who is not God if you are to “draw near” to Him (Jas. 4:8).
It’s time to let it go. What is that habit or ritual that is constantly getting in the way of pure and undefiled worship of Jesus? You have honored Him with your words; now honor Him with your actions. You have honored Him with your public praise! Now respect Him with your private convictions. He deserves it: all the glory, all the honor, and all the praise you could ever offer to His name.
Prayer:
Father, I refuse to make any more excuses! I will worship Jesus with my whole heart. I pray that Your Holy Spirit would strengthen me to serve You the way You deserve to be served: without reservation, and without fear (Lk. 1:74), in Jesus’ name.
© Michael D. White, 2021. All rights reserved.