As the rain and snow

“You have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not murder; and whoever murders will be liable to judgment.’ But I say to you that everyone who is angry with his brother will be liable to judgment; whoever insults his brother will be liable to the council; and whoever says, ‘You fool!’ will be liable to the hell of fire… 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall not commit adultery.’  But I say to you that everyone who looks at a woman with lustful intent has already committed adultery with her in his heart… 

“It was also said, ‘Whoever divorces his wife, let him give her a certificate of divorce.’ But I say to you that everyone who divorces his wife, except on the ground of sexual immorality, makes her commit adultery, and whoever marries a divorced woman commits adultery.

“Again you have heard that it was said to those of old, ‘You shall not swear falsely, but shall perform to the Lord what you have sworn.’ But I say to you, Do not take an oath at all…

“You have heard that it was said, ‘An eye for an eye and a tooth for a tooth.’ But I say to you, Do not resist the one who is evil. But if anyone slaps you on the right cheek, turn to him the other also.  And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well. And if anyone forces you to go one mile, go with him two miles… 

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you.” Matthew 5:21-22,27-28,31-34a,38-41,43-44

Jesus was a world changer. His teaching upended legalism, and even the most eloquent and knowledgeable professionals and religious leaders He jarred to the core. The ways and thoughts of the Son of God were so far above and beyond the thinking of man that they pierced to divide soul and spirit. What man had in limited purview made concession for He upheld with highest, deepest, divine integrity. (Isaiah 55:8-9; Hebrews 4:12)

How easy it is in the buzzing world to soak in hearsay and tag along with group think. God’s children grow numb to their downward slide of dependence on worldly advice and internet expertise. Unintentionally they settle into the lowest common denominator of behavior and opinion that bear little similarity to God’s righteous standards. Accustomed only to narrow and provincial thinking, we can fail to hear and heed the deeper gist of Christ’s commands.

Into the earthly limits of our bias-formed and tightly held opinions the Lord pierces with heavenly, loftier implications. His truth overturns the foolishness of man. Ignorance of His word and ignoring the call to read and understand it are death knells to true holiness and right thinking, and we must take heed to realign. (Matthew 6:19-21,25,33; 1 Corinthians 1:27-29)

Are there habits and attitudes to which we’ve softened by constant use that need to undergo the scrutiny of God’s word? What concessions are we making for sin because of laziness, procrastination, or prideful comparisons? Where need we be ruthless in cutting off, saying no, or renouncing flesh desires to obey Christ?

Father, may I daily seek and treasure Your voice above all others, and faithfully put it into practice for Your honor.

“Seeing the crowds, he went up on the mountain, and when he sat down, his disciples came to him.

“And he opened his mouth and taught them, saying:

“Blessed are the poor in spirit, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they shall be comforted.

“Blessed are the meek, for they shall inherit the earth.

“Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be satisfied.

“Blessed are the merciful, for they shall receive mercy.

“Blessed are the pure in heart, for they shall see God.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God.

“Blessed are those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake, for theirs is the kingdom of heaven.

“Blessed are you when others revile you and persecute you and utter all kinds of evil against you falsely on my account.  Rejoice and be glad, for your reward is great in heaven, for so they persecuted the prophets who were before you.” Matthew 5:1-12

Blessed were they to come near to the Lord Jesus on the mount, and blessed were they to hear His personal words. The covering of His benediction and pledge of blessing to come in their unclear future was a gift for mind and soul in the clear mountain air. For what had they been called to this young traveling teacher? So much before them was unknown. In drawing them up the mountain, Jesus turned their thoughts from the work and life they had known to the higher call and heavenly perspective of following Him as disciples. His promises hinted at aspects of life to come that only He knew.

It is indeed a gift to have the Lord’s omniscient care and particular promises for present and future. What is ours securely now carries us to the unknown. We are fortified with salvation, a sure place in God’s forever kingdom and purposes, and are encouraged to own that knowledge humbly and with pure heart. We are to seek Him and His righteousness and extend mercy and grace as we encounter the sorrows, misunderstandings, and turbulence of day to day. We are to face every pressing hurt and opposition with gladness for the certain coming fruition of hope. We need not worry about the unknown because we are strengthened in the known. Could we be more blessed going forward than to have God’s word? All Christ proclaims and embodies is ours to hold. (2 Corinthians 1:20)

How familiar am I with God’s promises to me? When do I draw near to hear His words, and how personally are they shaping my decisions, character, and resolve? What difference does my pronounced blessedness in Christ make in my outlook and pursuits? Is every aspect of my life characterized by rejoicing because of confident hope? Where do I need set aside worry and complaint and tend to gladness because of God’s good and sure promises? (Ephesians 1:3)

How am I encouraging others with this benediction? Whom has God placed in my life at present who needs to be reminded of their blessedness in Christ? How will I edify the growing, give balm to the hurting, and cheer on the struggling?

Blessed Lord, keep me grateful for and thriving in the blessedness you bestow, trusting every present promise for the future You are writing.

“He said ‘Be on your guard against all covetousness, for one’s life does not consist in the abundance of his possessions… The land of a rich man produced plentifully,  and he thought, “What shall I do, for I have nowhere to store my crops?.. I will tear down my barns and build larger ones, and there I will store all my grain and goods.  And I will say, ‘Soul, you have ample goods laid up for many years; relax, eat, drink, be merry.’”  But God said to him, “Fool! This night your soul is required of you, and the things you have prepared, whose will they be?” So is the one who lays up treasure for himself and is not rich toward God.’

“And he said to his disciples, ‘Therefore I tell you, do not be anxious about your life, what you will eat, nor about your body, what you will put on.  For life is more than food, and the body more than clothing…  Instead, seek his kingdom, and these things will be added to you.

“’Sell your possessions, and give to the needy. Provide yourselves… with a treasure in the heavens that does not fail, where no thief approaches and no moth destroys.  For where your treasure is, there will your heart be also…

“‘Everyone to whom much was given, of him much will be required, and from him to whom they entrusted much, they will demand the more.'” Luke 12:15-23,31,33-34,48b

“When you give to the needy, sound no trumpet before you, as the hypocrites do.., that they may be praised by others. Truly, they have received their reward.  But when you give to the needy, do not let your left hand know what your right hand is doing,  so that your giving may be in secret. And your Father who sees in secret will reward you.” Matthew 6:2-4

“Keep your life free from love of money, and be content with what you have, for he has said, ‘I will never leave you nor forsake you.'” Hebrews 13:5

Jesus’s teaching for the rich targeted their attitude toward and use of their riches, not the wealth itself. True life is about the Lord and His kingdom, knowing and emulating His faithfulness and generosity. Contentment and joy come from deep trust and secret communion with the Lord.

If we truly love and worship the Lord God as supreme and sufficient, we will not have room in our hearts for greed or covetousness. Occupied and satisfied with Jesus, we will be rich toward Him in our relationships and industry that issue from that union. Others will benefit, He will be praised. (Exodus 20:3-5,17; Matthew 6:24)

We possess every treasure in Christ, yet we clamor for possessions here on earth. What would it look like in daily preoccupations and activity if we were truly free of the love of things and genuinely content with what we have? How can we begin to value our invisible inheritance more than tangibles here below? What more might we giver Christ’s sake in time and resources to others today? (Ephesians 1:3; 1 Peter 2:9-11)

“Riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise,
Thou mine inheritance, now and always;
Thou and Thou only the first in my heart,
High King of heaven, my Treasure Thou art.” ~Old Irish, translated Mary E. Byrne (1880-1931)

Lord, may I treasure You above all, and give lavishly from the storehouse You’ve entrusted to me.

“After this Jesus revealed himself again to the disciples by the Sea of Tiberias, and he revealed himself in this way.  Simon Peter, Thomas, Nathanael, the sons of Zebedee, and two others of his disciples were together. Simon Peter said to them, ‘I am going fishing.’ They said to him, ‘We will go with you.’ They went out and got into the boat, but that night they caught nothing.

“Just as day was breaking, Jesus stood on the shore; yet the disciples did not know that it was Jesus.  Jesus said to them, ‘Children, do you have any fish?’ They answered him, ‘No.’  He said to them, ‘Cast the net on the right side of the boat, and you will find some.’ So they cast it, and now they were not able to haul it in, because of the quantity of fish.  That disciple whom Jesus loved therefore said to Peter, ‘It is the Lord!’ 

“Jesus said to them, ‘Come and have breakfast.’ Now none of the disciples dared ask him, ‘Who are you?’ They knew it was the Lord… This was now the third time that Jesus was revealed to the disciples after he was raised from the dead.” John 21:1-7a,12,14

“Let your light shine before others, so that they may see your good works and give glory to your Father who is in heaven.” Matthew 5:16

All Jesus said and did on earth revealed His divinity. His works pointed to facets of His majesty, beauty, and perfect character, and beckoned to trust and everlasting life. Throughout His public ministry His teaching penetrated minds with heavenly wisdom, His commands inspired hope, His healing restored life and zeal, His feeding nourished, His companionship challenged and encouraged His friends in faith, mindset, and purpose. After the resurrection, He comforted, satisfied, and edified those closest to Him by kindnesses, conversation, and serving. Indeed, his actions were done and recorded that we might believe Jesus is the Christ, and by believing have life in His name. (Luke 24:15,27-32,35; John 6:11-12; 11:14-15,40; 20:30-31)

It is God’s call for every believer to do good works so Jesus is known and magnified. When we determine to reflect Him, He enhances all we say and do for His sake with a touch of the divine. A note written carries holy words, a welcoming home offers otherworldly peace and sanctuary, a shared meal His presence and satisfaction.

Beware misaligned motivation for recognition or applause. Doing unto self reaps paltry fruit. Getting caught up in the cause of Christ not only enriches us but bears robust blessing unto God’s praise. Which will it be for me? (2 Corinthians 8:3-9; 9:6-8,10-13)

How are we daily making Jesus known? Do others recognize Him when we come alongside to comfort, extend mercy or forgiveness, give refreshment or practical help? Can they sense Him in tender, personal care, and insight shared? (Luke 24:35; John 20:14-16,18)

“Take Your truth, plant it deep in us;
Shape and fashion us in Your likeness,
That the light of Christ might be seen today
In our acts of love and our deeds of faith.
Speak, O Lord, and fulfill in us
All Your purposes for Your glory.” ~Keith and Kristyn Getty (2006)

Lord, help me faithfully exhibit Christ by keeping on with good works for the good of others and Your glorious renown.

“But Noah found favor in the eyes of the Lord… Noah was a righteous man, blameless in his generation. Noah walked with God… 

“Now the earth was corrupt in God’s sight, and… filled with violence… for all flesh had corrupted their way on the earth. God said to Noah, ‘I have determined to make an end of all flesh, for the earth is filled with violence through them. Behold, I will destroy them with the earth.  Make yourself an ark of gopher wood. Make rooms in the ark, and cover it inside and out with pitch… This is how you are to make it: the length of the ark 300 cubits, its breadth 50 cubits, and its height 30 cubits. Make a roof for the ark,.. and set the door in its side. Make it with lower, second, and third decks. For behold, I will bring a flood of waters upon the earth to destroy all flesh in which is the breath of life under heaven. Everything that is on the earth shall die. But I will establish my covenant with you, and you shall come into the ark, you, your sons, your wife, and your sons’ wives with you. And of every living thing of all flesh, you shall bring two of every sort into the ark to keep them alive. They shall be male and female.., two of every sort shall come in to you… Also take with you every sort of food that is eaten, and store it up… as food for you and for them.’ Noah did this; he did all that God commanded him.” Genesis 6:8-9,11-22

It is not told what influenced Noah to begin walking with God nor come under His favor. Surely it was grace, and grace kept him keeping on. The only life Noah knew was in a populated land, the only rain he knew was the storm of wickedness and violence. Yet Noah was so intent on his Lord that when He commanded what was in scope and purpose unimaginable, with specific details and provision for future unknowns, Noah responded with ready assent. Against the relentless pressures of the world, he believed God was faithful. (Genesis 2:6; 6:5-6; Hebrews 11:7)

It is hard to imagine being asked to do something based on concepts completely foreign to our experience: an all-encompassing flood? The end of civilization? A vessel of such magnitude? A covenant that pledged only entering the ark? Walking to the unknown can be accomplished only by walking with the known, the God who in every detail is trustworthy. Walking with Him in any endeavor assures we are hemmed in behind and before, and that He will direct and supply for the future He has written. (Genesis 7:16; Psalm 139:5; Philippians 4:19)

What about the world’s ways is so familiar and attractive that we’re reticent to obey the Lord by faith? Where is He unsettling us and bidding us walk in a new direction with Him? What ingrown habits, or unhealthy relationships or entertainment would He have us leave behind? To what different or altogether new place or ministry is He leading? Do we trust Him with the unknowns of our future enough to set to work on an ark today, however He dictates, trusting His timing, details, and ends? (Micah 6:8; Hebrews 11:1,6)

Father, keep me walking with You so closely that I will boldly, gladly obey whenever and wherever You call.

“And God said, ‘Let there be lights in the expanse of the heavens to separate the day from the night. And let them be for signs and for seasons, and for days and years,  and let them be lights in the expanse of the heavens to give light upon the earth.’ And it was so. And God made the two great lights—the greater light to rule the day and the lesser light to rule the night—and the stars.  And God set them in the expanse of the heavens to give light on the earth,  to rule over the day and over the night, and to separate the light from the darkness. And God saw that it was good.  And there was evening and there was morning, the fourth day.” Genesis 1:14-19

“Give thanks to the God of gods,..
 to him who alone does great wonders,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
to him who made the great lights,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
the sun to rule over the day,
    for his steadfast love endures forever;
the moon and stars to rule over the night,
    for his steadfast love endures forever.” Psalm 136:2,6-9

“He determines the number of the stars;
    he gives to all of them their names.” Psalm 147:4

“Lift up your eyes on high and see:
    who created these?
He who brings out their host by number,
    calling them all by name;
by the greatness of his might
    and because he is strong in power,
    not one is missing.” Isaiah 40:26

“The Lord,
who gives the sun for light by day
    and the fixed order of the moon and the stars for light by night,
who stirs up the sea so that its waves roar—
    the Lord of hosts is his name.” Jeremiah 31:35

Orderly in design and chronology, the Maker of all knew what was next in His six days of plan, execution, and goodness. Shekinah glory that illuminated His now-shaped earth would step back for heavenly lights. Fiery sun and rocky moon He attached to the limitless sky by His word and held in perfect place and spin by gravity and rhythm. And the stars. Myriads of known and named sparkling heavenly bodies He fixed to the sky and even now upholds. Described in just three words. Truly, there is none like this God! (Job 38:1-7,31-33; Colossians 1:15-17)

In all our important busyness, do we pause to contemplate the pin dots of stars, the countless constellations that were fashioned and are suspended and supported in measureless space by a Creator who owns the universe? Would we wonder at and the stars, as if they took little effort, and see ourselves against the great and vast God? Would we offer Him our smallness in His world, knowing we have a large place in His heart and purpose? Would we praise Him? (Deuteronomy 4:19; Psalm 8:3-4)

This same God is intimitely and intricately involved in all our ways. He knows us by name and as His servants. What languishing, what self-pity, what complaint can we surrender to this infinite Almighty? When will we substitute our flesh wondering why and what and how long to humbly wondering at His splendor and power? (Isaiah 49:1-3)

Heavenly Father, may I never cease to marvel at your every word and act, to the praise of Your fathomless greatness and glory.

“In the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the Lord by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the Lord stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, so that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom and also put it in writing:

“‘Thus says Cyrus king of Persia: The Lord, the God of heaven, has given me all the kingdoms of the earth, and he has charged me to build him a house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah. Whoever is among you of all his people, may his God be with him, and let him go up to Jerusalem, which is in Judah, and rebuild the house of the Lord, the God of Israel—he is the God who is in Jerusalem. And let each survivor, in whatever place he sojourns, be assisted by the men of his place with silver and gold, with goods and with beasts, besides freewill offerings for the house of God that is in Jerusalem.’

“Then rose up the heads of the fathers’ houses of Judah and Benjamin, and the priests and the Levites, everyone whose spirit God had stirred to go up to rebuild the house of the Lord. And all who were about them aided them with vessels of silver, gold, goods, beasts, and costly wares, besides all that was freely offered. Cyrus the king also brought out the vessels of the house of the Lord that Nebuchadnezzar had carried away from Jerusalem and placed in the house of his gods… Mithredath the treasurer… counted them out to Sheshbazzar the prince of Judah..: 30 basins of gold, 1,000 basins of silver, 29 censers, 30 bowls of gold, 410 bowls of silver, and 1,000 other vessels; all the vessels of gold and of silver were 5,400. All these did Sheshbazzar bring up, when the exiles [came] from Babylonia to Jerusalem.” Ezra 1:1-11

Sometimes merciful and benevolent, sometimes ruthless in battle and judgment, always strategic, the heathen King Cyrus of Persia was moved by God. The one who would declare after defeating Babylon, I am Cyrus, king of the universe,* was himself subject to a higher power, and knew it. The release of Jewish captives from Babylon to rebuild the temple was instigated not by this inspirational leader but by the Sovereign who inspired him. Even a great king has a driver.

*According to the Cyrus Cylinder, discovered in 1879

Sometimes we wonder at how situations can get so bad. Civil unrest, tribal wars, crumbled marriages, brilliant business plans gone awry all seem beyond remedy. But instead of reacting with fatalism, hand-wringing, or despair, we can look beyond to the God who rules all things. Who can help or effect change? Who inhabits the impossible? When we’re flummoxed at what’s happening or how a situation can turn around, we can absolutely trust the One at the Master controls.

Man goes about his business, and the Almighty performs His. Man makes his plans and the Lord directs his steps. Man speaks his intentions and God’s word prevails. Every idea is inspired, every effort energized, by the good and eternal Ruler of all. He is trustworthy! (Proverbs 16:9; 19:21; Isaiah 14:24; 44:28-45:1-6a,7; 46:10; Ezekiel 12:25)

Father, help me trace and trust Your sovereign hand in this dark world.

“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out,

“‘Hallelujah!
Salvation and glory and power belong to our God,
    for his judgments are true and just;
for he has judged the great prostitute
    who corrupted the earth with her immorality,
and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.’

“Once more they cried out,

“’Hallelujah!
The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.’

“And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, ‘Amen. Hallelujah!..’

“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out,

“’Hallelujah!
For the Lord our God
    the Almighty reigns.
Let us rejoice and exult
    and give him the glory,
for the marriage of the Lamb has come,
    and his Bride has made herself ready;
it was granted her to clothe herself
    with fine linen, bright and pure.'”

“Behold, the dwelling place of God is with man. He will dwell with them, and they will be his people, and God himself will be with them as their God. He will wipe away every tear from their eyes, and death shall be no more, neither shall there be mourning, nor crying, nor pain anymore.” Revelation 19:1-4,6-8a; 21:3b-4a

“Beloved, we are God’s children now, and what we will be has not yet appeared; but we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is.” 1 John 3:2

The Lord Almighty reigns. He sits in absolute victory and authority on His throne. He promises all wickedness will be judged and every evil held accountable and punished. Those saved by Christ’s blood will have no more sorrow or suffering and will see Jesus face to face. The new heavens and earth will be perfect in every way. Having this hope, can we not help but rejoice? Are we not secure in peace? Will we not prepare? (Revelation 19:14-21; 20:10,12; 21:1-5,10-14,18-27)

Though uncertainties loom, why be downcast, O soul? When trouble and pain abound, put your hope in this God and His promises! Why fret and worry? The Lord is making all things new! Why stress and strive against difficulties? Train in the manners of heaven! Why criticize and foment dissension? Tell of His love and salvation! (Psalm 42:5,11; 43:5; 1 John 3:3)

What do our actions tell? How differently from the world do we behave since we really believed the Lord Jesus is returning, and will rectify wrongs? In what new ways will we spend time and resources? How can our attitude toward opposition and suffering be transformed? Whom will we love more and serve better? Trusting that according to God’s word, one day all will be well infuses today with peace and joy and hope and zeal.

“But all will be well, and all will be well, and every kind of thing will be well.” ~ Julian of Norwich (1342-1416)

Lord on high, may my every breath be in hopeful anticipation, diligent preparation, and joyful confidence of Your coming return and victorious reign when all things wrong become untrue. (Revelation 22:1-7)

“After Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, wise men from the east came to Jerusalem,  saying, ‘Where is he who has been born king of the Jews? For we saw his star when it rose and have come to worship him.’ When Herod the king heard this, he was troubled…

“Then Herod summoned the wise men secretly and ascertained from them what time the star had appeared.  And he sent them to Bethlehem, saying, ‘Go and search diligently for the child, and when you have found him, bring me word, that I too may come and worship him.’  After listening to the king, they went on their way. And behold, the star that they had seen when it rose went before them until it came to rest over the place where the child was.  When they saw the star, they rejoiced exceedingly with great joy.  And going into the house, they saw the child with Mary his mother, and they fell down and worshiped him. Then, opening their treasures, they offered him gifts, gold and frankincense and myrrh.  And being warned in a dream not to return to Herod, they departed to their own country by another way.” Matthew 2:1-3,7-12

After hearing of Jesus’s birth, these learned men (and sky watchers) from the east, where the Hebrew religion was not known or revered, were drawn by the sign of the star (and the Spirit) to Him. They were curious, and sensing His worth, came with gifts. They left their homes for this journey of unknown length, following the heavenly light like a magnet. (Genesis 1:14)

Wise people seek Christ, and watch for glimpses of His signs and work. (Exodus 33:13,18; Psalm 119:18; Isaiah 50:4)

Wise people rejoice at God’s movement in their hearts, and respond willfully and willingly to His pull and wooing and leading and light. (Psalm 119:105)

Wise people do what it takes in time and effort to make their way to Jesus, keeping on until they meet with Him. They bow, and humbly, gratefully offer their best to Him who is worthy. They worship. (Hosea 6:3; Romans 12:1)

Wise people are wary of strangers and false messages. Their knowledge of God guards them against temptation. They discern the true word to dismiss wayward allures and keep in line with God’s leading and direction. (Isaiah 30:21; 1 Corinthians 10:13)

Do we want to be wise not just in lip service but in Spirit, action, and truth? Then we would watch for the Lord. We would persist in devoting ourselves to seeking His face and word for us. We would go after Him daily and expect Him to direct our steps and make Himself known. We would rejoice at His companionship and delight in His presence. Do these describe our desire and commitment? (John 4:24; 1 John 3:18)

When do we go to worship? Are we so enthralled with His perfection, power, and majesty that all we can do is give, open ourselves in offering, not looking to take and ask? Is the substance of our regular prayers a shopping lists of wants? Laundry list of grievances? Or an unending list of praise? What steps will we take to be wise today?

Lord, keep me persisting to seek, know, and honor You.

“A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am a father, where is my honor? And if I am a master, where is my fear? says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests, who despise my name. But you say, ‘How have we despised your name?’  By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised.  When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts.

“For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations.” Malachi 1:6-9,11-14

The prophet Malachi (“my messenger”) brings a stinging word to God’s beloved Israel, targeting their self-centeredness and laxness toward Him. Their Lord, King, Father, and Master is appalled by, and condemning of, their careless sacrifices and accompanying calloused reasoning and excuses. Their pompous attitude of privilege, desert, and ease had so hardened their hearts that they could not even recognize how far they’d fallen in their sense of God’s majesty and worthiness. Where was their lofty worship, their robust, sacrificial devotion? How dare their casualness toward the Lord of hosts, great in the nations?

In the here below we tend to bow our heads for the wrong things. We fix ourselves to devices and work, bend toward tasks and urgencies, look out to comparison and greedy wants, but not up to the light of Christ. We get so used to the spiritually mundane and settled in anemic devotion that we don’t realize soul embers have grown cold. This disgusts our King of kings, who is worthy of our best and first. (Revelation 3:15-16)

Have we become so accustomed to selfish living that we don’t recognize our greed? To polluted thinking, language, and entertainment that we don’t see the affront to the Holy One? Have we become so grand in our own eyes that we cannot see the grandeur of God? How do we take His grace and mercy for granted, rather than with humble, generous gratitude?

Lord, expose my irreverent, casual attitudes, and accustom me only to Your splendor and greatness, so daily I give You the full honor You deserve.