This week I have done a lot of studying for the upcoming teaching series on Malachi. Malachi is the last prophet in the Old Testament, and he lived during a very pivotal time in Israel’s history. The people had come back from exile, but hadn’t really learned their lesson – they were losing their culture, and losing their love for God’s ways. God sent them great leaders like Zerubbabel, Joshua, Ezra, and Nehemiah, and prophets – Haggai and Zechariah. And the people have done some great things – defended their homes, willing to go back to the Promised Land, and rebuilt the Temple. Things should be fine, right?
It is their attitudes that are hollow. They are questioning God, questioning His truth and timing. Where are the good things He promised? Why has He not come back to His temple? Why do we not have a son of David on the throne? They were not giving all to God, and were questioning Him, blaming Him for their misfortunes.
In the book of Malachi, God begins to question them back – why have you given me only half of your heart? Why are your leaders corrupt? Why do you not honor marriage? This book is a great study into our expectations of God, our attitudes and how God deals with us when our faith has become twisted in knots – and we blame the Lord.
This Sunday we get to finish our God at the Movies series, which has been a lot of fun, and given some great biblical insights, too. Then in August we dive into Malachi. And on August 11 it is a BIG DAY in the life of our church – we sign our charter membership! It has been almost 4 years Covenant Grove – and God is doing such incredible things. I can’t wait to see what will happen in the next 4 years – and 40 years! Let us keep our eyes on Christ, and on reaching Modesto and Riverbank for Him. Stay strong in Him!
