Showing Love

 O. T. #2341 "Showing Love"

Dec. 16, 2022

Malachi 1-Part 4

LET IT GLOW

Yesterday I went to three stores located in 3 different towns looking for a specific gift for 3 people. Finally, after parking on the back 40 at two stores, enduring the cold wind and traffic, my hunt was successful. It was love that motivated me to endure. 

I don't think we should ever get over how God has shown us His love for us. Neither should Israel. How did God show the Jewish people His love for them?

• He spared the Jews in exile in Babylon. (Jeremiah 29)
• He moved Cyrus to make a decree allowing the Jews to return to Jerussalem to rebuild the Temple. 
• He provided the leader Joshua, Zerubbabel, Ezra, and Nehemiah. 
• Also provided by God were the prophets Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi.

If the Jews had only obeyed the terms of the covenant with God, He would have blessed them more. In Malachi, God is referred to as Lord of Hosts, that is, Lord of the Armies. That was used 24 times by the prophet Malachi and nearly 300 times in the Old Testament. The military name of God, for hosts comes from a Hebrew word that means to wage war. 

The Lord is the Commander of the hosts and heaven: the stars (Gen. 2:1), the angels (Ps/ 103:20-21), the armies of Israel (Exodus 12:41), and all who trust in Him. (Ps. 46:7, 11)

Think about that-Jesus has an army of angels at His disposal. Although, He chose not to call upon them while hanging on the cross. That was because He loved you and me so much that He knew we could not go to heaven for all eternity if He did not provide the sacrifice we needed-Himself. I hope I never get over such love demonstrated that day. Since Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life, He has shown us the way to live, the way to go, the way to love. 

How will we show that love to others during this Christmas season?

LET IT GROW

The final way that God showed His love to the Jews was by giving them the privilege to witness to the Gentiles. (verse 5) The love of God was manifested as He restored Jerusalem as a new beginning. The Gentiles witnessed grace and mercy of God. 

A world is watching us as we go through trials, pain, hardships. Are we showing His love through it all?

LET IT GO

Trust Jesus everyday. Declare His everlasting love to