WHY IS GOD MAD?
Book of Malachi
I’ve been going to church most of my adult life, and have learned that as soon as the pastor says turn to Malachi, we are ready to hear about giving our tithe. This is generally received in the early years with a grim reminder of present finances and our guilt over not giving more than a dollar or two. If we are new to this process, we generally have to think about it for a time while talking with others about the necessity. What is this money going for, is this going into the pastor’s pocket, or is this just a money-making scheme? Then we move to the validity of the tithe because we are “under grace” and isn’t that just for Old Testament Jews? Then we come to the acceptable amount to give and find out that it is not just spare change or an amount that we feel comfortable with, but actually 10% of our income! Is that 10% of the gross or net? On and on we go trying, somehow, to rationalize this expenditure until we realize there is a blessing for us. It seems, however, that the church often focuses on Chapter 3 verse 10 about God “pouring out for you a blessing until it overflows” but gives little interest into the previous chapters.
I’m not wanting to debate the traditions of your church regarding the tithe, I am only offering explanation through the scriptures to possibly help us understand the conditions we are confronted with in our country. Perhaps we can find some relationship with the Israelites of that time and understand from Malachi 3:6 that GOD NEVER CHANGES! Since that is true, the answer is the same as it was for Israel.
The Israelites had been in captivity for 70 years under the Persian Empire. Once they were set free, they returned to their land and rebuilt the temple. Yet, the fervor of those early returning Israelites gave way to a thorough apathy for the things of God. This led to rampant corruption among the priesthood and a spiritual lethargy among the people. The people focused on their unfortunate circumstances and refused to account for their own sinful deeds. So, God pointed the finger back at them, and through Malachi, God told the people where they had fallen short of their covenant with Him. If they hoped to see changes, they needed to take responsibility for their own actions and serve God faithfully according to the promise their fathers had made to God on Mount Sinai all those years before. Unfortunately, many did not listen and God would, eventually not talk for over 400 years!
God begins by explaining that He loved Jacob, but hated Esau his brother and cursed his land and left his inheritance to the jackals. Not an easy thing to swallow since we prefer to see God as the God of love. He goes on to say that Esau’s descendants would try to rebuild the ruins, but God would tear them down because the Lord is indignant forever. Why? Esau did not value covenant with God but sold it to Jacob for a bowl of soup (desires of the flesh). God said that a son honors his father and a servant his master, but He says “where is my respect”.
God is obviously angry with Israel because they dishonor him with blind and deformed offerings and cursed those who had perfectly good offerings at home but gave instead a blemished animal. God said, “I am a great King and My name is feared among the nations.” He then addresses the priests and says if they will not listen then they would be cursed. He explains that the lips of the priest should preserve knowledge and men should seek instruction from his mouth. But since they had caused many to stumble by turning aside and not kept God’s ways, they would be despised.
God went on to list all the things they were doing that offended him and most of them had to do with loving the brotherhood, your wife and your children by not allowing them to marry unbelievers. He speaks of Christ coming like a refiner’s fire and fuller’s soap to cleanse His children and requested that they “return to Me and I will return to you”. Then He asks them, “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!” They, of course, deny an understanding of how they do that, probably because the priests have failed to educate them. God replies, “In tithes and offerings” and follows up with “You are cursed with a curse”. That is disturbing but I believe God certainly can set His standards. The problem is when He said, “the whole nation of you!”. Surely there were a few who were consistent tithers, but what the few does affects all of them!
We are living in times of great division, strife, violence, hardship, fear and uncertainty. The only hope for our nation is not men’s or women’s great ideas nor Democratic, Republican or Socialist Parties. The only solution is in God’s word, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) We often respond as did the Israelites, in what way have we sinned?
We have to admit that there are many sins we should deal with but I want us to consider the sin that holds back our prosperity. We understand that God was speaking of the tithe. I have visited several churches in eastern Colorado and discovered that an offering is never taken. I even asked where the offering was given and a container is usually found somewhere outside of the sanctuary as if we are ashamed of taking an offering. I understand that sometimes pastors feel uncomfortable asking for tithes and offerings because of the misunderstanding that people can’t afford to give, but in all reality, they can’t afford not to give. Malachi contains the truth about your prosperity.
Next month: GOD’S PROSPERITY
I’m not wanting to debate the traditions of your church regarding the tithe, I am only offering explanation through the scriptures to possibly help us understand the conditions we are confronted with in our country. Perhaps we can find some relationship with the Israelites of that time and understand from Malachi 3:6 that GOD NEVER CHANGES! Since that is true, the answer is the same as it was for Israel.
The Israelites had been in captivity for 70 years under the Persian Empire. Once they were set free, they returned to their land and rebuilt the temple. Yet, the fervor of those early returning Israelites gave way to a thorough apathy for the things of God. This led to rampant corruption among the priesthood and a spiritual lethargy among the people. The people focused on their unfortunate circumstances and refused to account for their own sinful deeds. So, God pointed the finger back at them, and through Malachi, God told the people where they had fallen short of their covenant with Him. If they hoped to see changes, they needed to take responsibility for their own actions and serve God faithfully according to the promise their fathers had made to God on Mount Sinai all those years before. Unfortunately, many did not listen and God would, eventually not talk for over 400 years!
God begins by explaining that He loved Jacob, but hated Esau his brother and cursed his land and left his inheritance to the jackals. Not an easy thing to swallow since we prefer to see God as the God of love. He goes on to say that Esau’s descendants would try to rebuild the ruins, but God would tear them down because the Lord is indignant forever. Why? Esau did not value covenant with God but sold it to Jacob for a bowl of soup (desires of the flesh). God said that a son honors his father and a servant his master, but He says “where is my respect”.
God is obviously angry with Israel because they dishonor him with blind and deformed offerings and cursed those who had perfectly good offerings at home but gave instead a blemished animal. God said, “I am a great King and My name is feared among the nations.” He then addresses the priests and says if they will not listen then they would be cursed. He explains that the lips of the priest should preserve knowledge and men should seek instruction from his mouth. But since they had caused many to stumble by turning aside and not kept God’s ways, they would be despised.
God went on to list all the things they were doing that offended him and most of them had to do with loving the brotherhood, your wife and your children by not allowing them to marry unbelievers. He speaks of Christ coming like a refiner’s fire and fuller’s soap to cleanse His children and requested that they “return to Me and I will return to you”. Then He asks them, “Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!” They, of course, deny an understanding of how they do that, probably because the priests have failed to educate them. God replies, “In tithes and offerings” and follows up with “You are cursed with a curse”. That is disturbing but I believe God certainly can set His standards. The problem is when He said, “the whole nation of you!”. Surely there were a few who were consistent tithers, but what the few does affects all of them!
We are living in times of great division, strife, violence, hardship, fear and uncertainty. The only hope for our nation is not men’s or women’s great ideas nor Democratic, Republican or Socialist Parties. The only solution is in God’s word, “If my people, who are called by my name, will humble themselves and pray and seek my face and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and I will forgive their sin and will heal their land.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) We often respond as did the Israelites, in what way have we sinned?
We have to admit that there are many sins we should deal with but I want us to consider the sin that holds back our prosperity. We understand that God was speaking of the tithe. I have visited several churches in eastern Colorado and discovered that an offering is never taken. I even asked where the offering was given and a container is usually found somewhere outside of the sanctuary as if we are ashamed of taking an offering. I understand that sometimes pastors feel uncomfortable asking for tithes and offerings because of the misunderstanding that people can’t afford to give, but in all reality, they can’t afford not to give. Malachi contains the truth about your prosperity.
Next month: GOD’S PROSPERITY
There are many opportunities for Christians to fellowship and get into God's presence. At the end of the summer, Lauren Daigle will be playing Red Rocks for two nights. This young lady's testimony is one of faith, healing and great anointing. Her music tells the story of the redemptive power of Christ. You can get tickets here for both shows, September 20th and September 21st, she will be performing with several other Christian artists. This is sure to be an amazing night of praise, worship and connection. Don't miss it! |
Visiting the Body of Christ
We have been visiting churches in the area in the hope of networking with fellow Christians as we search to bring unity, and build the Kingdom of God. It is amazing to see the work that these bodies are doing for their communities. We hope to visit your church in the weeks to come!
First Baptist Church of Deer Trail - Pastor Sam Courts Journey Church - Pastor Dusty Morris Calvary Baptist - Pastor Bob McCurley Mountain View Christian - Pastor Donn Headley Strasburg Community Church - Pastor Steve Musser Living Springs Cowboy Church - Pastor Zac Sanger |
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Galatians 6:2 encourages fellow believers to "Bear one another's burdens, and so fulfill the law of Christ. As a community, we are bound together with the love of Christ. We exhibit that love through prayer for one another. Someone in our midst may be hurting, believing for a new job, seeking direction from God. When we come together in agreement for each other, we see God begin to work! We want to agree with you. We encourage our readers to let us know what we can all agree on for you. If you have a specific need that you would like us to pray for, let us know. The Word of God compels us to pray for one another in the community where we live. So agree with us as we pray for each other!
Simply fill out the form below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Simply fill out the form below and we will post the need here in real time. We will utilize initials for privacy sake.
Community Prayer List
Calling all Prayer Warriors:
-Pray for JR for healing in his neck so that he can get back to work and provide for his family.
-Pray for RG as he continues to heal from his back surgery and rehab.
-Pray for MS as he heals from his accident, as well as for his daughter and her healing.