Staying on the Right Path

O. T. #2343 "Staying on the Right Path"

Dec. 20, 2022

Malachi 2

LET IT GLOW

God is gracious and loved, and to be held in reverence. Israel had some problems: doubting God's love, dishonoring His name, and despising divine privileges. God had shown Israel His love for them by caring for them, electing them to be His chosen people and nation. However, Israel despised God's name.

Let's skip down to verses 5-6. The purpose of the Lord's covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what He gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered God and stood in awe of His name. They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from God. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with God, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin. (New Living Translation)

Aren't we as believers in Jesus to walk with Him, live good and righteous lives, and turn others from lives of sin? The student is to follow the teacher.

LET IT GROW

Previously, we read what the priests of Israel are doing wrong, being reproved for profanity. They did not honor God in worship. The Jews offered blind, lame, sickly, and even stolen animals were as sacrifices, which was not rebuked by the priests. 

If the priests did not repent of their sins, God was going to exchange blessings for judgment by splattering their faces with the manure from the unapproved sacrifices. He would throw them on the manure pile, in other words. Such humiliation. And nothing stinks worse than pig waste. 

In verses 7-9, we find the words of the Jewish priests should preserve knowledge of God, and the people should go to him for instruction. He is the messenger of the LORD of Heaven's Armies. But they had left God's paths. Their instructions have caused many to stumble in sin. They corrupted the covenant God made with the Levites. Therefore, the priests will be humiliated. 

Our pastors should be trustworthy and honoring of God. They should be following God's path for them and the church. Are we staying on God's path for our life?

Make Your ways known to me, Lord; teach me Your paths. (Psalm 25:4)

Are we following Jesus along the twists and turns of our life? Even when we mess up, He forgives us and shows us mercy and grace. 

LET IT GO

 Keep us on the right path of Your Word, Jesus. 

Guide us in Your will.

 May we honor You through it all.