John Carberry Damien Hughes - April 16, 2023
Remembering God’s Love and Honour
The short prophecy of Malachi is a rebuke of the people of Israel who have fallen into worship that is empty, hollow, and heartless. This has almost nothing to do with their lack of religious fervour. In fact, they seem to be practicing their religious rituals the whole time. What is missing, however, is the relationship with God that gives their worship meaning. Throughout Malachi the anonymous prophet poses a series of reminders - some from the very mouth of God - that the people question. The first of these: “I have loved you”. From the very opening of this prophecy we have a people who have forgotten God’s love not only for them but also for those ‘…beyond the borders of Israel!’ (also see 1:11 and 1:14). This is reflected in the worship the descendants of Levi offer which they have compromised by their poor practices. At it’s core, worship is a call to remember and honour the love God has shown. Throughout Malachi God most often given the title ‘The LORD of hosts’ or ‘The LORD or armies’. There is a genuine sense that the power of God is present in Malachi’s message. Malachi 1:1-14
From Series: "Worship that Remembers P"
A journey through Malachi.