DAD'S RAMBLINGS -- Q AND A TIME

DAD'S RAMBLINGS – Q AND A TIME

The prophecy of Malachi revolves around a question and answer format. Questioning God is not necessarily a bad thing. It depends on the tone of voice. But it takes a lot of spunk to speak to God – the King of the Universe – the way the Israelites did. As I read these questions, I hear pride, self-justification, and disrespect for the God of the Universe, instead of an honest and humble desire to serve God better. Let's take a look at these questions.

Question Number 1 -- "In what way have You loved us?" (1:2). Can you hear the snide tone in their voice? God had proclaimed His love for them. He had proven His love for them through the generations from Jacob down through the centuries. Yet they questioned God's love for them.

Question Number 2 – "In what way have we despised Your name?" (1:6) In this question, I hear a tone of mocking denial that they had ever worshiped in an unacceptable way. God answered that they had offered sacrificial offering that were defiled, lame and sick. God was not pleased with their defiled sacrifices. They said, "What a weariness!" (vs. 13) Worshiping God had become a drag. They sneered at it. Oh yes, they offered their sacrifices, but they were not the best of their flock. Their attitude of disdain was demonstrated by the inferior sacrifices they offered.

Question Number 3 was provoked because God said that He would not receive their offering anymore. "For what reason?" they asked (2:14). In this question, I hear an attitude of confrontation, instead of humbly asking God for an answer that would help them serve God better. "What do you mean, you won't accept our sacrifices?" God's answer was that they were not honoring their marriage vows. Their attitude toward marriage was a reflection of their relationship with God.

Question Number 4 was a response to God's saying that He was tired of their words. "In what way have we wearied You?" (2:17). This would be like saying to God, "You ought to be glad that we take the time to do religion." God answered that He was tired of them asking "Where is the God of justice?" because He allowed sinners to prosper. He was tired to their hypocrisy.

Questions Number 5 and 6. God had given a gracious appeal for them to return to Him. They brazenly asked, "In what way shall we return to you?" (3:7). This was not an honest question because they knew the answer before they spoke it. Common sense and Scriptural teaching would say that they needed to give God the honor and respect that was due Him. Instead, they had robbed God. "In what way have we robbed You" (3:8). God responded that they had not given God what really belonged to Him: their tithes and offerings. I don't think it was a money issue; it was a heart issue that reflected their attitude towards God.

Question Number 7. God said that their words were harsh against Him. "What have we spoken against You" (3:13). This was not just a benign question. They were angry with God. God's answer: "You have said that it is useless to serve God." They felt that there is no profit in keeping His ordinances.

What disrespect they had shown to God by questioning the motives, actions, goodness, and character of the God of the Universe! Yet there were those who heard this prophecy and humbly feared the Lord. God heard their words, and wrote a Book of Remembrance for those who feared the LORD and meditated on His name. God said, "They shall be Mine on the day that I make them My jewels" (3:16-17).

What lessons are there for us? First, we need to be careful about questioning God's love, justice, and whether it is of any use to serve God. Secondly, God will have the last word. We cannot win an argument with God. His ways are always best, and we are blessed if we follow His way.

No matter what the majority says, God will have a people who will fear and serve Him in spite of what the rest of the culture is doing, and they will belong to Him on that final day. Their names will be written in the Book. God keeps good records. You can count on it.

Love, Dad