Really?

Here we go, diving into the book of Malachi, and we get a glimpse of Israel’s attitude in the opening verses. “I have always loved you,” says the Lord. But you retort, “Really? How have you loved us?” First thought, those people were arrogant and impertinent with God Almighty. Better watch it, or they will have to swim laps as punishment. Second thought, I once said the same rude thing to our Lord. I can’t swim so I asked for a life preserver, and forgiveness. Jesus provided both. We might be overcome by grief or fear or sin, and we stamp our feet like a little child in front of our faithful Father and cry, Really? We take a scary dive into the deep end with that attitude. May we never forget His enduring love throughout our lives and the merciful blessings we have received, whatever our current circumstances are. 

Malachi spoke the word of the Lord as God’s people slipped dangerously deeper into the dark pool of unfaithfulness. The Lord’s call to repentance, faithfulness and honor through His prophet Malachi is a continuous call to all people. When God says, “I have always loved you,” He means it, whether we are naughty or nice children. How blessed we are to be able to answer His call to faithfulness through Christ, our Savior. See how very much our Father loves us, for he calls us his children, and that is what we are! (1 John 3:1) We are really loved. But don’t dive into Malachi without your Life Preserver. It’s a little scary and we will need His support. ~Tracy