Bible Pathway - Sept. 30, 2011

Highlights:

Casual attitude toward the Lord and worship. Their worship is sloppy and the priests neglect the Commandments of God. Unworthy sacrifices indicate no honor or respect (Mal. 1:7-10,12-14). The Messiah, worthy of pure offerings (3:2-3). Repent (3:6-9). Support the work of the Lord (3:10-12). Get ready! Judgment cometh (4:1-6)!

The Israelites who had returned to Jerusalem and rebuilt the city walls and the Temple were dead. Sadly, their descendants had lost sight of their high calling and the purpose for their existence. Many had developed an attitude of religious formality toward God. This easily led to toleration of evil, including witchcraft and sorcery. Although God had warned against all forms of sorcery, the people had become insensitive to His Word.

Anyone who seeks guidance or information about the future through occult powers — including communication with the dead, Ouija boards, fortune-tellers, horoscopes, and astrology — is deceived and is deceiving ignorant people. We are warned: I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers. . . . For I am the Lord, I change not (Mal. 3:5-6; Lev. 19:26-31; 20:6; Deut. 18:9-14; Is. 8:16-20; 44:25; Jer. 14:13-16; 27:8-11; Ezek. 13:6-9,23).

By the time Malachi lived — perhaps 70 years after Haggai and Zechariah — deplorable spiritual and moral deterioration had developed. The Israelites had lost the zeal and dedication to God that existed when the Temple was being rebuilt under the preaching of Haggai and Zechariah. Malachi's desire was to guide them to a renewed relationship with God. This godly prophet appealed first to Israel to return to the Lord who loved them (Mal. 1); then he appealed to the priests, pointing out their sins (chap. 2). In chapter 3, he foretold of a time when the Messenger of the Covenant — Christ, the Messiah (3:1-3) — would appear. Finally, he foretold the coming of the great and dreadful Day of the Lord (4:5) when all that do wickedly will be destroyed and all who have lived to please the Lord will be rewarded (3:17; 4:1-2).

Like Malachi, as we await that coming day our personal relationship with the Lord should grow deeper each day. Why settle for less than the Lord's best? Why limit His ability to work through you to fulfill His will for your life?

The more you read all the Bible the more you become the person God wants you to be. Desire the sincere milk of the Word, that ye may grow thereby (I Pet.2:2).

The Statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart. . . . Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward (Ps. 19:8-11).

Thought for Today:

Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:13-14).

Christ Revealed:

The Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to His Temple (Mal. 3:1). Jesus went into the Temple. . . . saying . . . My House shall be called . . . the House of prayer (Mark 11:15-17).

Word Studies:

1:6 fear reverence, willing obedience; 1:13 snuffed at sneered at, lightly esteemed, despised, scorned; 2:12 The Lord will cut off . . . the master (who hath married the daughter of a strange god — see 2:11) and the scholar the priest and the layman will be rejected; 3:13 Your words have been stout against Me your attitude has been harsh, strong against Me.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Dr. John A. Hash • Country: Austria (8.1 million) in central Europe • Major language: German • Religious freedom • 78% Catholic; 6% Protestant; 3% Other Christian; 2% Muslim; .1% Jewish; 1.9% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Give thanks and praise to the Lord (Ps. 92:1).

Memory Verse for the Week: