Worship Worthy, Malachi 3:13-4:6

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Psalm 1 NIV

1 Blessed is the one who does not walk in step with the wicked or stand in the way that sinners take or sit in the company of mockers, 2 but whose delight is in the law of the Lord, and who meditates on his law day and night. 3 That person is like a tree planted by streams of water, which yields its fruit in season and whose leaf does not wither— whatever they do prospers. 4 Not so the wicked! They are like chaff that the wind blows away. 5 Therefore the wicked will not stand in the judgment, nor sinners in the assembly of the righteous. 6 For the Lord watches over the way of the righteous, but the way of the wicked leads to destruction.

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Worship Worthy

One of the popular gift items for a baby shower is a memory book. In these books we record our new babies date of birth, weight, and length. Usually, the first picture of our baby is taken in the hospital, and it is added to the first page of the memory book. Over the next year, we will add all their firsts. Their first word, their first tooth, the first time they roll over, crawl and their first step. After the first year, the pages are reduced to years instead of months. However, we continue to add pictures, events, and achievements. Or at least, that is the intention. I always wanted to do this but seldom had the time to do so. In our crazy busy culture, I am not sure these are maintained as well as they once were. There is probably a digital version these days. :-)

Now, what would you say if I told you that God has a memory book on you? Like any loving parent, He has recorded the memorable details. This book records our faithfulness to God. Once we place our faith in God, He is not interested in counting our offenses, but He is all about celebrating our faithfulness!

Over the last few weeks, we have looked at Israel’s failures. You see, they were not being faithful, and it was costing them all the good things God wanted to provide for them. Instead of taking responsibility for their bad behavior, they were blaming God and taking it out on God.

However, when we view Israel’s history, we find that no matter how bad things got, there were always a remnant of people who were faithful to God. These people did love God and served Him well despite what was happening around them. Malachi’s time was no different. Malachi, himself, would have been one of these faithful. God has been busy with those who have wronged Him, but now He gives words of encouragement to those who have been faithful to Him.

Please stand as we read our final passage from the book of Malachi this morning and we find that there is a further message for us as well.

Malachi 3:13–4:6 NIV

13 “You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ 14 “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? 15But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’ ” 16Then those who feared the Lordtalked with each other, and the Lordlistened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lordand honored his name. 17 “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. 1 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LordAlmighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them. 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves. 3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the LordAlmighty. 4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel. 5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!

Father, please bless this Word which you have provided and which we now receive. Amen!

I. Learning to Have an Eternal Perspective, Malachi 3:13-4:6

Malachi was the last book written in the Old Testament. These were the last words God spoke to Israel before Jesus first coming. That first Christmas was a spectacular event after 400 years of silence on God’s part. So, it makes sense that what God said to them here in Malachi is something we need to make note of today. Most pastors and Christians I speak to believe that we are living in a generation where some will witness Jesus’ second coming. Some say it could be in the next few years, some say perhaps 40-50 years, but all agree that it is close.

As we have looked back over this conversation between God and Israel, we find that the majority have lost their passion for God. They were more focused on what God could do for them, then they were about God Himself. Essentially, they were worshipping God-provided wealth instead of worshipping God. They treated God more like a Genie in a bottle who was at their beck and call, than Almighty God, whose authority is that of leader.

So, allow me a quick review of the past few weeks and what we found we need to learn.

1. We need to learn to love God and have love for each other.

2. We need to learn to honor God.

3. We need to learn to listen to God.

4. We need to learn to persevere when times are tough.

5. We need to learn that everything is God's and therefore be open and generous in our giving.

Now we come to the final passage of this short book. It is short but extremely packed with important details, which is why you have seen me struggle to keep these sermons within a normal time limit. But now we come to the heart of the problem. Israel has taken on...

A. The Worldly Ambition, Malachi 3:13-15

Listen closely to their arguments and see if you cannot read between the lines of what is happening in their hearts. I recently heard a pastor say, your treasure determines where your passion is. Let’s see if we can identify where Israel’s passion lay.

Malachi 3:13–15NIV

13 “You have spoken arrogantly against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ 14 “You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? 15But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’ ”

As I considered their response, here is what I noticed. First, they had...

1. A Desire for Instant Gratification, Malachi 3:14

Malachi 3:14 (NIV) 14 “ ‘It is futile to serve God. What do we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty?”

They wanted an instant reward. They were not willing to wait for God’s rewards in God’s timing. God had promised them wonderful things, but it would take time before they would see the full benefits of serving God. They were obviously unwilling to wait for it.

In our U.S. modern day culture, we are even worse than the Israelites of Malachi’s day. This is because we have lived in an affluent nation. Our poor even live at a much higher standard of living than most of the poor of other nations (think thatched huts with dirt floors vs low-income housing, no food provided vs food-stamps, food banks, etc...). This is why there are so many seeking to cross our borders and come into our nation.

Our debt levels are high because we are often unwilling to wait until we have the funds to buy something. So, we work backwards buying it, and then paying for it with interest. With this kind of mentality in our nation, is it any wonder it is so difficult to get people to want to consider the eternal rewards over the rewards offered here on earth every day? Many feel just like Israel, as they feel they have it good without God and the good they feel is in their hands now. However, they are missing a very important point, which we will get to in a moment.

The next thing we find is that they were...

2. Envious of what others had acquired, Malachi 3:15

Malachi 3:15 (NIV) 15But now we call the arrogant blessed.

They looked at the other nations and wanted what they had. They believed having things and wealth were blessings and others seemed to have it even though they didn’t worship God. They saw worshiping God as a burden they carried, and envied others that they didn’t have to do the same.

We have an old saying, “The grass is greener on the other side of the fence.” The house may look prettier, and the grass may be greener, but we never see what is going on behind closed doors, things like depression, despair, hopelessness. Israel was focused on the wrong things, which brings us to the next thing they wanted.

3. A Desire for Prosperity , Malachi 3:15

Malachi 3:15 (NIV) 15“ ‘...Certainly evildoers prosper....’ ”

This goes hand in hand with their envy. What were they envious of? The prosperity of the other nations. Keep in mind, that God promised them prosperity if they obeyed Him and kept the covenant. However, they were not doing so, and they were focused on others having prosperity without serving God. Where is their treasure? Where is their passion? Obviously, wealth not God. Which brings us to the last issue. They had...

4. A Desire for No Accountability , Malachi 3:15

Malachi 3:15 (NIV) 15 ...and even when they put God to the test, they get away with it.’ ”

It appeared that there was no accountability for the other nations, or so Israel thought. Israel was called to give an account before God to be blessed. However, others seemed blessed even when they didn’t follow God. Israel was complaining about the accountability they had before God when others didn’t. They missed the point that they were to be an example for other nations because they were too focused on their own desires.

In all these things, Israel was looking at the present age, not the age to come. God had made them promises but some of those promises would not be acquired until the distant future. However, they wanted them now!

Israel’s complaints were nothing new. Even in the book of Job, Job and his friends wrestled with these same questions. In Psalms, we find some of these same concerns vocalized by others. It is a matter of perspective and ambition. Do we have a worldly ambition or is God our ambition. God now turns His attention to those with...

B. A Godly Ambition, Malachi 3:16-18

As we turn from the worldly ambition to the Godly ambition, we find the blessings that the world lacks. The first is...

1. The Righteous Have God’s Ear , Malachi 3:16

Malachi 3:16 (NIV) 16 Then those who feared the Lordtalked with each other, and the Lordlistened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lordand honored his name.

The righteous have God’s ear. That means that God is watching and listening to all that is happening with His beloved children. Notice that they were talking among themselves, not necessarily talking to God. However, God took notice and acts. It says, “God listened and heard.” God cares for His people, so He is always tuned into what they are saying.

When the people of the world have problems, there is no one to turn to beyond themselves, unless they seek God. In which case, God requires the same devotion and response from them that He does the righteous. He calls for them to turn from their wicked ways and live according to His Spirit and His Word. (Sometimes there is a time lag between these two things, but God is patient Unbroken, Louie Zamperini).

2. The Righteous Have God’s Favor Recorded, Malachi 3:16

Malachi 3:16 (NIV) 16 A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lordand honored his name.

Like any loving parent, God wants a record of His people and their righteous acts. He records their faithfulness, and it is a record kept for all eternity. The next time you are talking to your brothers and sisters in the church, remember, God is listening. He is concerned with what you are concerned with. He has your best interests at heart, and He cares for you!

3. The Righteous Are God’s Treasured Possession, Malachi 3:17

Malachi 3:17 (NIV) 17 “On the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty, “they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.

Who are God’s treasured possessions? The people who serve Him. Where is God’s passion? With you! Not only are we considered and responded to as His children, but as treasured possessions. As treasured possessions, God will not allow anything to bring permanent damage to you. Like a diamond that can bear a lot of pressure, God may allow circumstances to exert some pressure against you at times, but never to the point that will shatter you or destroy you eternally. God has you in His hands no matter what is occurring. You are His treasure!

4. The Righteous Will Be Spared When It Counts, Malachi 3:17

Here is a big one that is missed by those with a worldly ambition or perspective.

Malachi 3:17 (NIV) 17“...I will spare them, just as a father has compassion and spares his son who serves him.

The other nations may seem to have respect, position, and possessions, however, one day destruction will strike, and they will not be spared by God. The days of this world are numbered, but what comes after is eternal. It is better to lose everything here and now and gain everything in eternity. The worldly glamour and glory will eventually be lost. However, our faithfulness to God now will be ours eternally, and the rewards we earn will never be lost.

5. The Righteous Will Witness the Final Justice , Malachi 3:18

We may watch a lot of injustice being done in this world at this time, but the day will come when we witness the final justice come to those who deserve it. Ever seen someone get away with something and wish you could be there to see them get caught? That is exactly what I am talking about.

Malachi 3:18NIV

18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.

In that day, we will receive our reward, and we will witness the final judgement against all the unrighteous. All those who refused to believe. We will be God’s witnesses to it all. Despite what it may sometimes feel like…

C. Righteousness & Justice Will Prevail , Malachi 4

It may seem like those who oppose God are benefiting in these days, however, we know that this is not the eternal outcome. When Jesus returns, we will be the final winners and gain the greatest prize. At this point in Malachi, God’s message becomes a word of encouragement for those who are faithful and a word of warning to those who do not obey. A day will come when everything will change forever. At that time...

1. Destruction Will Come to All Who Turn From God, Malachi 4:1

Malachi 4:1NIV

1 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LordAlmighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them.

Those who have no interest in God may prosper now, but the day will come when all they have will be lost. They will never have any opportunity to have anything ever again. Their eternal outcome is nothing but hopelessness and despair. However,

2. Complete Healing Will Come For God’s Faithful , Malachi 4:2

Malachi 4:2NIV

2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.

For those who are faithful to God, whose faithfulness is recorded in God’s memory book, there will be healing on every front. There will be no more sorrow. There will be no more struggles. Every need will be met and provided for by God the Father.

Revelation 21:3–5 NIV

3 And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, “Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people, and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. 4‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” 5He who was seated on the throne said, “I am making everything new!” Then he said, “Write this down, for these words are trustworthy and true.”

However, even before this moment of God’s new order...

3. There Will Be a Righteous Reversal , Malachi 4:3

Malachi 4:3NIV

3 Then you will trample on the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I act,” says the Lord Almighty.

Why does God act? Because He has heard the cries of His people. He has heard them and seen their suffering, and the time will come when He says it is enough. All those who will believe in Him will have made their choice for Him. That is what He is waiting for and then He will act on our behalf of His people to bring their struggles to an end.

For now, when we struggle, we need to remember...

4. God Has Provided What We Need to Know, Malachi 4:4

Malachi 4:4NIV

4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.

There will be no excuse for anyone who doesn’t believe because God has provided everything we ever needed to know in His Word. For anyone who would say the Old Testament isn’t pertinent anymore, I would point to this verse and say to the contrary. God gave us the Old Testament to help us to understand. Then in the New Testament He gave us Jesus to remove the stain of sin. But that does not remove from us the responsibility of understanding the law. It just helps us to better live within the law. We each have a responsibility to read and learn about God and what is righteous living.

However, God still will provide one more chance and He describes that chance in these final verses.

5. The Last Chance, Malachi 4:5-6

Malachi 4:5–6NIV

5 “See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lordcomes. 6 He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”

There are various opinions whether this will truly be Elijah in the flesh, or a person with a spirit like Elijah, such as John the Baptist was a symbolic Elijah. It is immaterial to me if it is really Elijah, though that would be an incredible thing to see, or if it is someone with a spirit like Elijah. Either way, when he comes, we know the end is near. God is sending him to speak giving everyone one a final chance to change their hearts before the end. Because once Jesus descends from heaven upon the earth, all chances will be over.

Conclusion

This message was sent to Israel sometime in the 400’s B.C., but it has so much to speak to our time. Too many people practice at religion with no real heart for God. They only hope to have God bless their earthly endeavors. Too many treat God like a Genie in a bottle and not like the Almighty God that He is. Too many grow tired of playing church, but the problem is that playing church is just what they are doing. There has never been any change in their life. They are just going through motions to try to earn God’s favor and they want God’s favor hoping He will provide them wealth and things. Too many who call themselves Christian are living with a worldly short-term perspective and have never taken on the long-term distance run toward eternity.

What is your perspective? Are you willing to make sacrifices here for what you will gain in eternity. It reminds me of the old game show where a person has a prize before them and the host says, “What do you choose, the prize before you (it may be a car or a diamond ring or any assorted things) or the one behind door number two?” In most cases, I thought what they held in hand was probably better but when I think on this sermon, I know that in this matter, I choose what is behind door number two. I have no idea what it is, but I believe and trust in God. I may not own my home. I may not have much money in the bank. My retirement years may be a struggle. However, God has been faithful to provide everything and more when I have needed it, and I believe God has a wonderful prize for me in eternity behind door number two. But most of all, I know I have the Father’s ear and always will have. I know He loves me for who I am, and I love Him back and that is the greatest gift of all. I hope you can say the same. Even without door number two, I know He is the best prize of all! Do you?

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