A Free Gift

O. T. #2339  "A Free Gift"

Dec. 14, 2022

Malachi 1-Part 2

LET IT GLOW 

Don't we all like a free gift? God has one waiting for you, dear one. Will you accept it or reject it? The gift is salvation in Jesus Christ, God's Son.

The theme of this book is God's love for Israel in spite of the sins of the priests and people. We are to take God seriously, and His Word.

Here we have the first dispute God has with His people. God declared His love for Israel. However, they did not accept whatever He said, questioning Him. 

I have always loved you. Really, How have you loved us? (verse 2, NLT)

God showed His love for Israel when He loved Jacob and rejected Esau, devastating his hill country. Israel is reminded of the two sons of Isaac. Those two brothers gave birth to 2 nations, Israel descending from Jacob and Edom descending from Esau. We read about this in Genesis 25.

Esau was rejected because he rejected his birthright. Wickedness and violence of the nation of Edom is well-knowns.  How did the Lord respond? Edom would be a wasteland. (verse 3) It is called selection-choosing something. His election is evident in this story. We are not to question God, but accept His choice. Should Edom rebuild, the Lord would demolish them, knocking them back down should they try to get up. We see the mess of the desert today and the hateful characters in the land. Edom was cursed. (verse 4)

Israel, well, God had mercy on them, although they sinned and rebelled against Him. He continued to pursue, love, and forgive Israel. They returned from exile in Babylon but forgot His love and mercy. 

[Resources: Tony Evans Bible Commentary; Liberty Bible Commentary]

LET IT GROW

We can be assured that God loves us, His children of believers. Although, in our world of political and economic unrest, we may question God's love. Do we measure His love by our pocketbook? He loves us with an everlasting love. He made us, so it is ongoing. Regardless of our circumstances, know you are loved. We will receive eternal rewards when we are faithful to Him, when our faith is in Jesus. We see evidence of God's love when He shows us grace, salvation in Jesus Christ, and blessings. God could have left Israel in Babylon for longer than 70 years.

Is there joy in your world today? Are we spreading the love of Jesus all around us? 

For God so love the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in Him will not perish, but have everlasting life. (John 3:16)

Will you have everlasting life in heaven or hell? The price has been paid. will you accept the free gift?

LET IT GO

Rekindle our love for You and Your Word.

Fill our cups (souls) with love and mercy overflowing to others.

May the Lord bless you and cause His face to shine upon you.