What’s in It for Me?
Malachi 3:13-4:3
-This sixth and final dispute between God and His people here in 3:13-4:3 closely reflects another passage about God’s justice in 2:17-3:5.
– The focus in 2:17-3:5 was on Divine Justice. The focus here in 3:13-4:3 is on divine blessing.
– Our text today reveals 2 groups within the Covenant Community who harbour very different attitudes toward the Lord: The ‘Fussers’ and the ‘Fearers’
Group 1: The ‘Fussers’ (3:13-15)
1) Their Complaint: Serving God is Pointless!
- They were outwardly religious
- ‘keeping His charge’ – ie. regular Temple observance
- ‘mourning before the Lord’
- They bitterly complain that there is nothing to be gained from religious devotion
- The arrogant are blessed
- The evildoer escapes from God
- There is no clear distinction between the righteous and the wicked
2) New Testament Parallel – The Elder Brother in Jesus’ Parable of the Lost Son (Luke 15)
- The Younger Brother tried to manipulate his Father by being very bad
- The Elder Brother tried to manipulate his Father by being very good
- The Younger Brother eventually repents and comes home, but the
Elder does not repent– he only grows more bitter toward the Father
Application:
Is your religious devotion a form of manipulation (What’s in it for me??), or does your devotion to God come from a heart that has been transformed by grace?
What motivates your worship – the gifts of God or the Giver Himself?
Group 2: The ‘Fearers’ (3:16 – 4:3)
1) Their Conversation was filled with Grace rather than with Grumbling!
- The difference between the ‘fussers’ and the ‘fearers’ was NOT found in:
- Their outward circumstances
- Their outward forms of worship
- The difference was found in:
- Their esteem and their love for God
- Their private conversation (an outer reflection of the inner heart condition)
2) God’s Response to the ‘Fearers’
- Their words are recorded and rewarded!
- ‘Book of Remembrance’ – (Esther 6:1)
- God’s people will one day be judged/rewarded according to their works and their words! (Matthew 12:36; 2 Corinthians 5:10)
- God will make a clear distinction
- The righteous (God’s treasured possession) will be distinguished from the wicked (Matthew 25:31-46)
- The ‘fussers’ will be distinguished from the ‘fearers’ (Romans 9:6; 1 Corinthians 3:10-15)
Application:
– Today’s text reminds us that our lives are lived in the presence of God – God is watching and listening! – What do our conversations tell us about our hearts? Are you a ‘fusser’ or a ‘fearer’?
No Response to “What’s In It For Me? – Malachi 3:13-4:3”