Today’s scripture: Malachi 3:13-15 (ESV-text and audio) (KJV) (The Message)
As you read, consider: What might God be saying to me? Summarize your thoughts in a sentence or two.
My thoughts (Brent Walsh):
Is God offended when we question or doubt?
Isn’t it normal to wonder why it seems that people with no conscience “get away with” so much more than we do? Isn’t it okay to feel shortchanged when we work so hard to please God and have no end to struggle, yet people who shake their fists in God’s face seem to live on easy street? Does God expect us to never wonder about things that don’t make sense to us? Of course not. And I don’t think this is the point of the passage.
In previous verses we see that God was almost challenging the people to test the blessings brought about by trusting God with tithes and offerings. By not doing this, we rob God — and we miss out on the blessings we could be receiving. This is not to say that if we tithe, suddenly all our debts will be paid and we will be free to buy that new bass boat! It just means that when we trust God with the things that mean the most to us (like our money), it opens doors to blessings we would not otherwise receive.
The people of Israel, however, had become complacent. They were growing weary of doing the right thing.
Have you ever been hurt by a spouse saying in frustration, “There’s no point trying to make you happy! It’s hopeless!” Maybe it seems that way sometimes, but if they really want to make you happy, they won’t give up trying. The people of Israel were frustrated, and maybe they were looking for an excuse not to have to be held accountable anymore.
So they try to get out of it by saying, “It is futile to serve God.” I think that hurts God’s feelings. The questions and doubt don’t offend God, but rather the unwillingness does — unwillingness to keep trying to do the right thing, to keep trying to understand.
Thought for the day: Don’t give up doing the right thing. Keep trying, and you will no doubt reap the blessings that God wants you to have!
We encourage you to include a time of prayer with this reading. If you need a place to get started, consider the guidelines on the How to Pray page.