Preparing for Christmas

Have you ever considered the 400 years of silence between the books of Malachi, whose name means “My Messenger,” and Matthew, whose name means “gift of Yahweh” (God)? Did it take God the Son 400 years to accept the earthly assignment to save sin sick souls?  Well, it appears that the Jews in Malachi’s day had just returned from Babylonian captivity and their hearts struggled with the proper worship of God. The Nelson Study Bible calls the people of that time “apathetic” about their polluted offerings, their blemished sacrifices and insincere hearts they brought to the Lord. Even the priests shared in this apathy. Despite their lack luster worship, God professed His love for His children and their response, such as spoiled children would respond, “in what way have You loved us?” (Malachi 1:2). In fact, God challenged His people several times throughout the book of Malachi:

God’s Challenge: “Where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts to you priests who despise My name.”
Their Response: “Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’” (Malachi 1:6)

God’s Challenge: “You have wearied the Lord with your words;”
Their Response: “Yet you say, ‘In what way have we wearied Him?’” (Malachi 2:17)

God’s Challenge: “Will a man rob God?”
Their Response: ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ (Malachi 3:8)

God’s Challenge: “Your words have been harsh against Me,” Says the Lord,
Their Response: “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’” (Malachi 3:17)

The people neglected to see their heart’s condition, especially their forgetfulness and lack of reverence to the Lord. Glory to God for His faithfulness!  My Messenger (Malachi) leads us 400 years later to the gift of Yahweh/God (Matthew). God executed His divine prerogative in that 400 years later, He set forth as a propitiation the Seed promised in Genesis 3:15, the Sun of Righteousness (Malachi 4; 2), the Son of David (Matthew 1:1), Dayspring on High (Luke 1:78), Jesus Christ, God’s true, unblemished, perfect sacrifice, who entered this world as a helpless Babe, and all for our soul’s salvation. Glory to God and Glory to God again. Thank You Jesus!

 PRAYER: Precious Jesus, we admit it. We see ourselves in the Israelites, sometimes apathetic, sometimes taking You for granted. Forgive us Lord.  As we busy ourselves with all the accoutrements of Christmas, decorations, presents under the tree, a menu to outdo all menus, please help us remember to examine our hearts. “Search me, O God, and know my heart; try me, and know my anxieties; and see if there is any wicked way in me, and lead me in the way everlasting.” Psalm 139:23-24
By Sis. Paula Smith