August 31Malachi 3 Malachi charges the Israelites with robbing God and refusing to acknowledge it. INSIGHTThe Israelites who returned to Jerusalem have grown comfortable, complacent, and arrogantly insensitive. Through His messenger Malachi, God confronts the Israelites with their complacency. He charges that the priests are despising His name and defiling His altar. God says He will no longer accept their offerings. He states that the Israelites have been wearisome to Him with their words. God asks them to return to Him. He reproaches them for robbing Him. The Israelites have hardened their hearts, and they no longer feel the pull of God in their lives. The result is a barren period of 400 years with no word from God. Be certain that you respond to the work of God in your heart—lest you experience spiritual barrenness. PRAYERPraise the Lord for enriching our lives when we follow Him: Pray this confession to the Lord to keep your life free from sin: Confess any sins that the Holy Spirit brings to mind. Now pray this affirmation to the Lord: As you make your requests known to the Lord, include:
Offer this closing prayer to God: |