God, how have You loved us? (Malachi 1:1-5)
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From the birth of Jacob and Esau we learn about God’s sovereign will. In terms of tradition and heritage, Esau, as firstborn, would be the more honored son. But God decided beforehand that it would be the other way around. God decided to show a special love and grace to Jacob and his descendents. Jacob’s descendents did not appreciate this love because they didn’t understand it. I fear that many of us commit the same sin in our lives today. How do we notice and appreciate God’s love for us?
“The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.” (Mal 1:1 ESV)
“Malachi” means “my messenger.” The book of Malachi is God’s message to Israel, and to us (v. 1). All Scripture is God breathed (2 Timothy 3:16). Prophecy comes from God (2 Peter 1:20-21). The book of Malachi addresses man’s rebellion of God and God’s plan for redemption. It reads like a conversation. We see a pattern several times throughout the book. 1) The Lord tells something to the nation of Israel, often an accusation of unfaithfulness. 2) They question God about it, as if denying that they were truly unfaithful. 3) God responds with proof of their unfaithfulness, and often a solution as well.
“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the LORD of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the LORD is angry forever.'” Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the LORD beyond the border of Israel!” (Mal 1:2-5 ESV)
The first statement that the Lord makes is not an accusation, but a declaration of His love (v. 2a). Malachi was the last book of the Old Testament to be written. Israel had proven their unfaithfulness time and time again. God delivered them out of slavery, but they grumbled in the desert. God gave them a land of their own, but the failed to take it completely. They worship idols. It got so bad that God removed them from their land, not because He had left them, but because He was disciplining them. When God allowed them to return to their land, they still did not honor God. But despite all this, despite all of their rebellion, God loved Israel.
No matter what kind of history you have, God loves you. This is exactly why Christ came: to offer salvation to all of us (1 John 4:10).
Notice the subtle rebellion in Israel’s response (v. 2b). Instead of praising God, thanking Him for His love, they ask, “How have you loved us?” They were in essence saying, “You love us? Really? Prove it, because we don’t see it.” They failed to notice all of the ways that God had blessed them. God’s word tells us over and over again that He loves us. Look around and see how it’s true.
In all of the Bible, Esau is the only person the God ever says that He hated. Why? I think we might get a clue from Psalm 5:5-7.
“The boastful shall not stand before your eyes; you hate all evildoers. You destroy those who speak lies; the LORD abhors the bloodthirsty and deceitful man. But I, through the abundance of your steadfast love, will enter your house. I will bow down toward your holy temple in the fear of you.” (Psa 5:5-7 ESV)
God hates all who do wrong (v. 5). But we all fall into that category, right? The difference is God’s mercy (v. 7). Do we harden our hearts and become like the arrogant person? Or do we humble ourselves and bow down to the Lord? But notice how God hates them (v. 6). It is not with His heart, but with His hands. On the contrary, God loves all people, and desires that all people come to know Him (Ezekiel 33:11).
Apply this to our passage in Malachi. What is Esau’s response to God’s discipline? (v. 3-4) Instead of turning to the Lord, Esau sought to rebuild the ruins himself. He told God, “I don’t need you!” Do you ever strive to solve your own problems, and in doing so, tell God you don’t need Him? Instead, turn to God in prayer. Admit that you need His help. Look for guidance in His Word. Then, you will see God work in your life and give Him praise.
God desires that we give Him praise when we see Him working in the world (v. 5). When God answers a prayer, give Him praise. When God disciplines you for not relying upon Him, give Him praise. When you witness an act of God, whether great or small, give Him praise. So, to answer the question, “God, how have you loved us,” God responds, “Always, and in everything, I have loved you.” Our response, then, is to give Him praise.
Pastor Chris Huff has been with us since July 2009. He and his wife, Abby, have four children. Chris is originally from St. Louis, MO and even though he was raised as a city boy, he has a small town heart. Chris is all over the internet, so you can find him on Facebook, Twitter,… (read more)
