Malachi 3

Let's review Malachi a little, shall we? In chapter one he is telling the priests that they might as well not even sacrifice at all if they are not going to do it wholeheartedly and according to law. I always apply this to my life in the context of work. I find myself some days moving a little slow and not really giving it my all. In Colossians we are commanded to do all things to the glory of God. ALL THINGS. That is a lot of things, and if we followed it constantly it would keep us from doing the other things we should not be doing.

In chapter 2, Malachi addresses the issue of the people intermarrying with daughters of foreign gods. Uh-Oh, this a big no-no. You could apply this to attaching yourself to things that take you away from God. It reminds me of the little thing where one sin can lead to oh so many more. Scary thought but true.

Well, chapter three intrigued me for sure. I did a little summary of it to see the bigger picture. It is the prophecy of Jesus (the messenger). He will purify the priests that were sinning in chapter one, so they would sacrifice in righteousness. However, He will still judge others who are stuck in their sin. Here He beckons the priests to turn back to Him (By the way, I love that He still wants them, and He still wants us no matter what). When they ask Him how, He tells them. I love the big picture. It always looks better than a tiny piece even though all the tiny pieces are required for the full beauty. The bigger picture here is our willingness to change allows us to accept God's grace. How many times do we see it in the Word? It covered me like a blanket as I read these chapters today. He still wants me, even if I don't give Him the best He deserves. The same is true for all of us, all the time. If you are in a relationship with God, you are in a covenant with Him (like the priests in chapter 2). He wants His people that are in covenant with Him to be fully in that covenant. Turn to Him, He wants you!

-- Kristi Smith, Summer Camp Staff