Malachi 1 - Unwanted Fruitcake; God's Offering?

     We have finally come to the last prophet and the last book of the Old Testament. Next week we will begin to read the New Testament. I am relieved in a sense that the many dire warning from God will cease.  Well, no, they will not actually cease.  We are warned over and over again in the New Testament to turn to the LORD and to give God the glory; but, we will see much more grace as we hear about the God who was willing to die for our sakes. We will hear much more of the Good News of God's reign in the Kingdom inherited by us, through the sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
     That is what Malachi, chapter one is about: sacrifice. God is not at all happy with the sacrifices of the people or the priests. They do not bring the first fruits. They bring defiled food. They bring blemished animals to the altar of the LORD. Can you imagine giving God our left-overs? Of course we can! It's like giving God that fruitcake that we got for Christmas, that we didn't want. So, instead of the trash can, you give it to God. The Good News, that we know, is that God, Himself, will provide the unblemished lamb, His only begotten Son, as a sacrifice for us. What we have failed to do, God has done for us.

God's Peace - Pr. J

BTW - I love fruitcake!

Ezekiel 47-48 - Now God's People

“You are to distribute this land among yourselves according to the tribes of Israel. You are to allot it as an inheritance for yourselves and for the foreigners residing among you and who have children. You are to consider them as native-born Israelites; along with you they are to be allotted an inheritance among the tribes of Israel." (Ezekiel 47:21-22 NIV)

We have come to the final vision in Ezekiel. He is given a vision of the restored Jerusalem. In that restored Jerusalem, the land is allotted not only to the Israelites, but to all the foreigners who reside among them who have children. They are to be considered Israelites.

The Book of Ezekiel ends in much the same was as the Book of Revelation in the New Testament. John, too, had a revelation of a new Jerusalem. In both, there is a tree-lined river. In Revelation it is for the healing of the nations. That is, for many people of different nations. In both Ezekiel and Revelation, those people who were not God's people, are welcomed among God's people.

As God desires that we live in harmony with one another, may His Kingdom come, His will be done on earth as it is in heaven.

God's Peace - Pr. J

Ezekiel 38 - God Has The Victory

Gog and Magog will gather with their allies against God's people. This is the word of the LORD. It is apparently being done so that everyone will know that the LORD is God for in the end they will not prevail. God will help His people. He will deliver them from the hand of the enemy.

Just as trial and tribulations have come to the old covenant church, they come to those in the new covenant as well. We should not unduly worry or fear troubles that comes to us here. Jesus promised us this:  “I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33 NIV)

No matter what or who attacks you, know this: God is with you. Even at times when you might think that the enemy is prevailing, know this: God will always have the victory!

God's Peace - Pr. J.

Isaiah 24 - Grandfatherly Figure; Not!

If everyone actually read the old testament, maybe, we would appreciate and not take for granted the new covenant that has come to us through Jesus the Christ, just a little bit more.

I don't know how many times I've had people tell me that they just can't believe in a grandfatherly figure sitting up some where up on the clouds. Read the old testament and you will find a picture of God that they probably did not teach you in Sunday School.

The picture that Isaiah 24 paints is one of devastation for the people of the earth. The earth has been defiled by the people according to this prophecy and their will be consequences.  But, there is good news in this chapter as well. There is good news for those who love their creator and redeemer. "The moon will be dismayed, the sun ashamed; for the Lord Almighty will reign on Mount Zion and in Jerusalem, and before its elders—with great glory." (Isa 24:23)

You see, it doesn't really matter whether you believe or not. It doesn't change God one iota. God is still God and He will reign! Worship the LORD, your God and give Him thanks for He has sent One and only One to redeem the world.

God's Peace - Pr. J