A Covenant That Calls For Reverence

The priests were disrespecting God and so were the people with the second class offerings they were making.

God originally called Levi to be a priest because if his true devotion to God. He started out respecting, fearing and loving God. Somewhere along the way his descendants, who were also priests, lost their way. Reverence for God wasn’t even on their mind. It seems they got caught up in the ritual.

God was over their lack of respect and tried to shock them back to the proper respect of the covenant he made with them. He did it so hid covenant with Levi could continue.

David Guzik distiller down what the priests’ responsibilities were:

Reverence
Knowing God’s word
Having godly character
Preserving and promoting God’s word

How does this apply to you and I? We aren’t priests!!…or are we?

1 Peter 2:5. You also, like living stones, are being built into a spiritual house to be a holy priesthood, offering spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ.

1 Peter 2:9. em>;;But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.<;;

And how are we to live?

1 Peter 2:11 Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you if doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

2 Peter 3:11b …what kind of people ought you to be? You ought to live holy and godly lives…

And Paul wrote to Timothy truths that I think apply to us also,

2 Timothy 2:14-16 keep reminding then if these things. Warn them before God against quarreling about words; it is of no value, and only ruins those who listen. Do your best to present yourself to God as one approved, a workman who does not need to be ashamed and who correctly handles the word of truth. Avoid godless chatter, because those who indulge in it will become more and more ungodly.

I think the key to all of this is in 2 Peter 2:5 where it says we are to offer spiritual sacrifices to God through Jesus Christ.

I can only imagine that Levi’s reverence start because he recognized God’s grace.

Our position as priests is only because of God’s graciousness through Jesus Christ. As with the priests of old, we have entered into the greatest of covenants with God Almighty! A covenant deserving holy reverence!

Holiest God. Gracious God. God if Justice, you deserve my best and nothing less. In this moment I offer you what I have. It is only because of Jesus that I have what I have and can honor you. You alone are worthy of praise! Your covenant is greater than silver and gold! We are rich in you! May we ALWAYS remember that our value is only because of you!

next week’s assignment:
Malachi 2:10-16

Isn’t God Worth More Than Second Best

I have felt like a roller coaster with this passage. Why would the Jews give God second best…at best? That’s awful!!!

Then I look at my own life. How often do I give God second best? Why do I do that?

Before I try to answer that questions, let me share with you some commentaries I found and their take on these verses.

Keillor-Delitzsch’s Commentary on the Old Testament Minor Prophets, page 428 notes, “The outward or grosser kind of idolatry had been rendered thoroughly distasteful to the people by the sufferings of exile; and in its place was taken by the more refined idolatry of dead work righteousness, and trust in the outward fulfillment of the letter of the divine commands, without any deeper confession of sin or penitential humiliation under the word and will of God. Because the fullness of salvation which the earlier prophets had set before the people when restored to favour and redeemed from captivity, had not immediately come to pass, they began to murmur against God, to cherish doubts as to the righteousness of the divine administration…”

That was a mouthful! Bottom line, it seems obligation, fear that God might be real drive them to sacrifice. But doubts that he really would do what he said he would do allowed them to hold back in their giving. At least when I look at how I function in my little pea brain, sometimes I do that. Offer out of compulsion. But not truly trusting God. What a quandary in my mind!

And then in…Notes on the Minor Prophets, by H. A. Ironsides, page 440, “Nothing but a spirit of prayerfulness, coupled with careful watchfulness, will keep any from being carried away by the unholy current.”

That watchfulness comes from studying God’s word and prayer. When I’m anxious, with a thankful heart, tell God what’s on my mind. That’s what he implores me to do.

In Psalm 42, the Psalmist is lamenting to God. God doesn’t see to be moving fast enough and people in his life are mocking his faith in God. They were saying things like, “Where is your God, now? He obviously isn’t coming through for you. See we told you you were stupid for believing in this God you can’t even see.”

So easy to get distracted and pull away from God’s best in our life, tripped up by the circumstances in our life that don’t seem to line up the way we think they should. God is good. God is righteous. God is in control! God loves us. God knows everything, is everywhere and does not change. We can trust him. He delights when we recognize him for who he is!

Lord, please forgive me for doubting you. Your word is full of your promises and fulfillment of them. In my shortsighted human mind I lose track. Give me your mind.

Please release in me the strength to endure. To praise you in the midst of the storms of life, in the midst of circumstances that seem to contradict your promises. Help me to trust you completely.

Show me where in my heart and mind I’m trusting in something or someone over you. You deserve nothing less than my best! You have never failed me in the past. Your word is true and right. You are Redeemer. You are loving Father. You’ve set into place consequences for sin. You are Holy. You deserve more than I have to give. I give you what i have. Amen

Next weeks assignment:

Malachi 2:1-9

I Have Always Loved You

This week we looked at the first five verses of Malachi. In the 1st verse we see that this book is an oracle…advice or prophecy given through someone, usually a priest, on God’s behalf. However, this word, oracle, seems stronger than this definition. It carries with it an urgency, it holds a message with great weight and importance. It should be repeated often. This message is too heavy to bear without repentance.

To begin this message, God wanted to frame it with how much he loved the Jews. This emphasis of God’s love shows up several times in the Old Testament.

Jeremiah 31:3
Deuteronomy 7:7&8
Hosea 11:1
Isaiah 62:4

Yet the Jews first response was to question God’s love. Seriously? I was hurt for God that this was their first response.

Then I looked at my own life. How often do I question God’s love in my own life. When I am walking closely with him, this isn’t an issue. But when I go my own way, and I lose perspective in my life, it’s easy to wonder about God’s love.

In the situation with the Jews, they had walked very far from a right relationship with God. They remind me of some teenagers when they get mad at their parents because the parents won’t let them do something that they want to do.

Their parent knows it would be bad for them, even though on the surface it looks like a lot of fun. The child doesn’t understand that their parent is making tough choices on their behalf. God sees the big picture of life and knows what is best for us. And by his grace he never lets go, even when we don’t ‘feel’ his love.

Lord, life is hard. Following you is hard. I even wrestled with that today. But you are a good God. You have always loved us and that love doesn’t change. Please forgive me for not trusting you with my life.

So I ask, not accusingly, but in a way that shows i need to be reminded so I get my focus off my shortsightedness and back on you. How have you loved me?

You formed me in my mother’s womb. With great care you created me just the way you wanted me. You numbered my days. Knowing I would be far from perfect, you sent your son to redeem me. You created the universe with such beauty and complexity. You promise to care for my daily needs. Calling to you, seeking you, brings you joy. Giving us your word…a love letter full of wisdom and grace. These are a few of the ways you show me your love.

Only you are worthy of the highest praise…ALWAYS. I love you, Lord. Change my heart. Transform me a little more this week. Take my worry and turn it into trust. In Jesus name, Amen.

Oh, how he loves us, girlfriends!

Next weeks assignment:

Malachi 1:6-14

Nehemiah

So do not worry, saying, ‘What shall we drink?’ or ‘What shall we wear?’ For the pagans run after all these things and your heavenly Father knows that you need them. But seek first his kingdom and his righteousness, and all these things will be given to you as well. Matthew 6:31-33

As I read Nehemiah, these verses from Matthew were screaming at me. During the time when the walls of Jerusalem were being rebuilt the Jewish people were revisiting the words of God.

I’ve been a part of seasons where God was visibly doing some incredible things. After the excitement of those experiences, I am hungry to learn more about God. It’s as if I can’t get enough of him to satisfy my hungry soul. Then I come face to face with my own short comings. I then have the choice to lean in closer to God or to run.

When I lean in close, there is healing and grace. It isn’t easy, but worth it.

When I run, it reduces my stress for a short time. Then I realize I have needs and begin the process of looking for solutions to my needs. I have forgotten that God knows EXACTLY what I need.

God gives…
His law
Rest
Righteous decrees and regulations
Bread
Water
Clothing
Land
His Spirit
His love
So much more

We forget, we rebel, we doubt.

We end up slaves to our desires.

This is the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, and Malachi.

Thank God he forgives and redeems.

He is slow to anger.
Abounding in love.
Doesn’t abandon.
Rescues.

We receive from God.
We get comfortable.
We forget.
We cry out.
God hears.
We follow.

And the cycle continues. I don’t want want to forget. I want to always follow. His ways are perfect. They are ultimately best for me. My ways, without God’s direction, just complicate my life…even when they seem right to me. But whereever I am and wherever I have been, today I can choose God.

Lord, today I choose you. Please help me see your direction. I pray for our country. There are many followers of Christ who are crying out to you. I know you hear our prayers. Please, forgive us for our sins and heal our land. Amen.

Next weeks reading:

Malachi 1:1-5

Blessings to you, my friends, this week!

Ezra

Do you remember the story of Shadrach, Meshach, and Abednego in the fiery furnace? Or Daniel in the lion’s den? During that time, the Jewish people had been captured by Nebuchadnezzar king of Babylon.
The book of Ezra is set after they had been in Babylon for quite a while.

God gave them favor with Cyrus, king of Persia. He not only ordered a temple be built in Jerusalem, he encouraged the Jews to go back to their homeland and he also sent the items that King Nebuchadnezzar took from the temple when he besieged Jerusalem.

Life was looking up for them. Yet there were challenges along the way. Isn’t that just how is life is. Ups and downs. Sometimes caused from our own doing. Sometimes life just happens.

In the midst of it all, when they laid the foundation of the temple, they remembered that “He is good; his love to Israel endures forever.” All through the Old Testament are recorded times when the Israelites were reminded that God is good and his love endures forever.

I need to remember that God is good and his love endures forever. Even when we walk away from God, he loves us so much that he continues to pursue us.

John 3:16&17 are very familiar passages. They say, “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him.”

It’s shown over and over again. I need to look at my life as God sees it, not from my view. Author Henry Blackaby offers prayers asking to see the truth of his circumstances. That’s what I long for!

Life from my perspective can be scary, hopeless and overwhelming. But from God’s perspective it is doable, hopeful, and he is in control…because he loves us.

Thank you for loving us. Help me to see the truth of my circumstances. With your view I have peace and joy. You are worthy…so worthy, Lord, of everything I have.
Please continue to give us your wisdom as we are seeking to follow you and know you. Amen.

Next week’s assignment:
Read Nehemiah