READ
Malachi 3:6-12
CONSIDER
When we read the Old Testament, it is easy for us to miss seeing how God lavishes grace on his people. Instead of rebuking them for forgetting all the things He has done for Israel, he invites them to return to Him (v7). Instead of chastising them for their doubt, He invites them to test Him so that they can trust Him again (v10). He sees us in our weaknesses and lavishes grace upon us by calling us to return to Him through trust.
As we conclude our series Living As His People, may we be challenged to surrender all aspects of our lives to Christ, including the resources He has entrusted to us.
Pastor Tim Sreedharan
PRAY
As the Apostle Paul writes in 2 Corinthians 12;
“9 But he said to me, “My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.” Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weaknesses, so that Christ’s power may rest on me. 10 That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.”
Father, help us to see that in weakness, you are glorified & lifted up. Help us to surrender every aspect of our lives to You, knowing that your grace is sufficient for us & your power is made perfect in our weakness. Amen.
DIVING DEEPER
Read through the passage. How does the claim in 3:6 connect with Malachi 1:1-2?
Explain how the Israelites are robbing God?
How do we see the grace of God on display in his invitation for them to return to Him (3:7) & in the call to test Him (3:10)?
What does 3:12 tell us about God’s heart for the nations?
How does this passage challenge you in how you steward your resources?