July 29, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Malachi Chapter 3
1 Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.
2 But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:
3 And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.
4 Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the Lord, as in the days of old, and as in former years.
5 And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.
6 For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.
7 Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
8 Will a man rob God? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.
9 Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
10 Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.
11 And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, and he shall not destroy the fruits of your ground; neither shall your vine cast her fruit before the time in the field, saith the Lord of hosts.
12 And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the Lord of hosts.
13 Your words have been stout against me, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee?
14 Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?
15 And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea, they that tempt God are even delivered.
16 Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another: and the Lord hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon his name.
17 And they shall be mine, saith the Lord of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.
18 Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
The Forerunner of the Messiah (Verses 1-5)
Malachi Chapter 3 begins with the announcement of the forerunner of the Messiah, whom God will send to prepare the way for the Lord. This prophecy refers to John the Baptist, who is identified in the Gospels as the one who prepares the way for Jesus Christ. John’s task was to call the people to repentance and prepare them for the coming of the Messiah.
The Lord who is to come is referred to as the “Messenger of the Covenant,” indicating the close relationship between God and His people. However, this arrival will not be without challenges. The day of His appearance will be intense and purifying, comparable to a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap. These metaphors indicate a process of purification in which God will cleanse His people, particularly the priests (“the sons of Levi”), from impurities so that they can offer sacrifices in righteousness.
God Keeps His Promise (Verses 6-12)
In verses 6-12, God reminds the people of His immutability and faithfulness. God emphasizes that He does not change and that His promises remain. The Israelites, however, have strayed from His commandments and have betrayed Him, particularly in regards to the tithe and offerings. God calls them to bring the full tithe into the storehouse to receive His blessing. He promises to open the “windows of heaven” and pour out abundant blessings if the people are obedient.
The tithe is an important expression of trust and dependence on God. It acknowledges that everything they possess comes from God. God promises to rebuke the “devourer” who destroys the harvest and to make the land fruitful if the people remain faithful to Him. These promises demonstrate God’s care and His willingness to bless and protect His people if they are obedient.
The Day of the Lord and His Forerunner (Verses 13-18)
In the final verses of the chapter, a dialogue between God and the people is described, in which God holds the people accountable for their harsh words against Him. The Israelites have claimed that it is useless to serve God because the wicked prosper and those who challenge God succeed. This reflects deep-rooted frustration and resignation.
However, there are also the God-fearing who encourage and comfort one another. God listens to these conversations and keeps a “book of remembrance” in which those who fear Him and honor His name are recorded. These individuals will be His special possession on the day of the Lord, and God will spare them as a father spares his son who serves him.
Summary
Malachi Chapter 3 emphasizes the need for repentance and obedience to God. It warns of the coming judgment and purification associated with the coming of the Lord. The prophecy of the forerunner points to John the Baptist, who calls the people to repentance. God reminds His people of His immutability and faithfulness and calls them to fulfill their obligations to Him to receive His blessings. Finally, God distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked and promises to reward those who remain faithful to Him.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 51: The Light of Life
This chapter is based on John 8:12-59; John 9.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction: Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Jesus declares in the temple that He is the light of the world and promises that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. This statement is made during the Feast of Tabernacles, where large lamps in the temple courtyard illuminate Jerusalem and remind the people of the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness. Jesus uses this symbol to highlight His mission as a spiritual light meant to illuminate the darkness of the world.
The Significance of Light in the Bible
Light is a recurring symbol in the Bible for God’s presence and revelation. From the light of creation to the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness and the light that accompanied the dedication of Solomon’s temple, light stands for God’s guidance and proximity. Jesus, as the light of the world, embodies God’s essence and His relationship with humanity. He is the true light that enlightens every person (John 1:9).
Jesus and Abraham (John 8:56-58)
Jesus emphasizes His eternal existence and His relationship with Abraham, which the Pharisees perceive as presumptuous. He explains that Abraham rejoiced at the prospect of Jesus’ day. By saying, “Before Abraham was, I am,” Jesus claims divine existence and identity, which the Pharisees see as blasphemy and therefore want to stone Him.
The Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9)
In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This healing demonstrates that God’s works are revealed through Jesus. The disciples and the Pharisees inquire about the cause of the blindness, but Jesus shifts the focus to the outcome: the revelation of God’s power and grace. This healing occurs on the Sabbath, prompting the Pharisees to again condemn Jesus as a lawbreaker.
The Pharisees’ Reaction
The Pharisees attempt to deny the miracle and intimidate the healed man and his parents. However, the formerly blind man bravely defends Jesus and points to the obvious divine origin of his healing. This defense leads to his expulsion from the synagogue. Jesus seeks him out and fully reveals Himself to him, whereupon the man worships Jesus as the Son of Man.
Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees
Jesus uses the healing of the man born blind to highlight the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees. They claim to see, but they reject the true light that Jesus offers. Their self-righteousness and pride prevent them from recognizing the truth, thus their sin remains.
Summary
Chapter 51 underscores the profound significance of Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus brings not only physical but also spiritual light into the world, revealing God’s truth and saving people from the darkness of sin. The healing of the man born blind serves as a practical example of Jesus’ mission and the necessity of accepting spiritual light. The Pharisees, however, remain trapped in their self-righteousness and reject the life-changing light that Jesus offers.
(Visited 7 times, 1 visits today)