prophecy – Page 4 – Be Still…

Malachi 2:1-9 – Shortcuts * Part Two

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Our last reading exposed the priests who were taking shortcuts and not honoring God in their sacrificial practices. Perhaps other areas of ministry were also suffering, but the prophecy was concerned with “shortcut” sacrifices that dishonored God.

We realize we, too, often fall short of giving God the priority he deserves. Today’s reading speaks to what happens when we do that. Malachi warns the priests that God will curse them for not following God’s ways and ignoring his instructions.

Malachi 1:6-14 – Shortcuts * Part One

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Have you ever taken a shortcut to lessen your load? Apparently, these priests sure have. The LORD is not happy with them at all. I’m not sure I’d be that lazy or disrespectful to take a shortcut where honoring God was concerned.

But don’t we all do it from time to time? We rush our devotion time because something more pressing or important is crowding out our day. We sometimes skip our quiet times with God all together. I don’t think I’m the only one who has.

Malachi 1:1-5 – God Loves You

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The word “malachi” means “my messenger,” and may or may not be a proper name. Malachi, along with Zechariah and Haggai, shared God’s messages in the early 5^th century B.C. The theme of this book continues to be “turn to God–he wants a restored relationship with you!

The temple had been rebuilt now for some years, and the people were starting to do what people tend to do—drift away from God. They were losing their enthusiasm for worship. Have you ever felt that way? What helped with your apathy and disillusionment?

Zechariah 14:1-21 – Renewed Relationship

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The book of Zechariah closes with an apocalyptic prophecy. The events depicted here have yet to be fulfilled completely. This chapter describes the path to a renewed relationship between God and his people.

God’s kingdom will be fully revealed once evil is purged for good. Jesus ushered in the kingdom with his birth, life, and death. But the big reveal is yet to come. It’s what the apocalyptic prophecies speak about. Jesus himself told us about those end days and the glorious victory.

Zechariah 13:7-9 – The Scattering

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Zechariah’s reference to shepherd here would be again about the messianic shepherd, Jesus. You may recall Jesus’ own words to his disciples in the garden before his arrest. He told them they would be scattered, and they were for a time.

Jesus quotes Zechariah when he is walking with his disciples on the way to the garden. Matthew 26:31 says, “On the way, Jesus told them, ‘Tonight all of you will desert me. For the Scriptures say, ‘God will strike the Shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’”