July 28, 2024

DAILY BIBLE READING – Malachi Chapter 2

¹ And now, O ye priests, this commandment is for you.

² If ye will not hear, and if ye will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, saith the Lord of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yea, I have cursed them already, because ye do not lay it to heart.

³ Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

⁴ And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.

⁵ My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

⁶ The law of truth was in his mouth, and iniquity was not found in his lips: he walked with me in peace and equity, and did turn many away from iniquity.

⁷ For the priest’s lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

⁸ But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts.

⁹ Therefore have I also made you contemptible and base before all the people, according as ye have not kept my ways, but have been partial in the law.

¹⁰ Have we not all one father? hath not one God created us? why do we deal treacherously every man against his brother, by profaning the covenant of our fathers?

¹¹ Judah hath dealt treacherously, and an abomination is committed in Israel and in Jerusalem; for Judah hath profaned the holiness of the Lord which he loved, and hath married the daughter of a strange god.

¹² The Lord will cut off the man that doeth this, the master and the scholar, out of the tabernacles of Jacob, and him that offereth an offering unto the Lord of hosts.

¹³ And this have ye done again, covering the altar of the Lord with tears, with weeping, and with crying out, insomuch that he regardeth not the offering any more, or receiveth it with good will at your hand.

¹⁴ Yet ye say, Wherefore? Because the Lord hath been witness between thee and the wife of thy youth, against whom thou hast dealt treacherously: yet is she thy companion, and the wife of thy covenant.

¹⁵ And did not he make one? Yet had he the residue of the spirit. And wherefore one? That he might seek a godly seed. Therefore take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously against the wife of his youth.

¹⁶ For the Lord, the God of Israel, saith that he hateth putting away: for one covereth violence with his garment, saith the Lord of hosts: therefore take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously.

¹⁷ Ye have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet ye say, Wherein have we wearied him? When ye say, Every one that doeth evil is good in the sight of the Lord, and he delighteth in them; or, Where is the God of judgment?

King James Version. Public Domain

Commentary

Rebuke Against the Priests (Verses 1-9)

In this section, the Lord, through the prophet Malachi, directly addresses the priests, who bear a special responsibility as the spiritual leaders of the people. The priests have failed to give due honor to God’s name, leading the people astray. They are admonished to heed and embrace God’s command, or else the Lord will turn their blessing into a curse.
Verse 3 is particularly vivid and striking: the Lord threatens to smear the dung of their festival sacrifices on their faces. This emphasizes the abhorrence of their failure and the necessity for purification and sanctification. The covenant with Levi (verse 4) is described as a covenant of life and peace, based on fear and reverence for God. The priests are supposed to be teachers of the truth, but they have strayed from the path and led many into sin.

Against Marriages with Pagan Women and Divorce (Verses 10-16)

Verses 10-16 address the social and moral transgressions of the Israelites, particularly regarding marriages with pagan women and the practice of divorce. The prophet reminds them that all people have the same Creator and that despising and desecrating the covenant is a grave sin. Judah is accused of unfaithfulness, as they defile holy things and engage with the daughters of foreign gods.
The Lord points out that such actions lead to his abhorrence and that those who commit these deeds will be excluded from the community. The altar of the Lord is covered with tears (verse 13), highlighting the emotional and spiritual distress of the people affected by their sins and their consequences. Divorce is described as an act of violence and betrayal, and God calls for men not to despise or abandon the wives with whom they have made the marriage covenant.

God’s Judgment is Coming Soon (Verse 17)

In the final verse of this chapter, the impatience and misunderstanding of the people towards God’s judgment are addressed. The people accuse God of promoting evil and ask where the God of justice is. These accusations anger the Lord, as they question His righteousness and holiness.

Summary

Malachi Chapter 2 is a strong admonition to the spiritual leaders and the people of Israel. It emphasizes the importance of faithfulness and reverence towards God and His commandments. The priests and the people are called out for their sins, and it is made clear that their failures have severe consequences. The call to repentance and the warning of impending judgment are meant to bring the people to their senses and lead them back to a life in accordance with God’s will.

 

 

WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 51: The Light of Life

This chapter is based on John 8:12-59; John 9.

Read online here

 

Commentary

Introduction: Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12)

Jesus declares in the temple that He is the light of the world and promises that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. This statement is made during the Feast of Tabernacles, where large lamps in the temple courtyard illuminate Jerusalem and remind the people of the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness. Jesus uses this symbol to highlight His mission as a spiritual light meant to illuminate the darkness of the world.

The Significance of Light in the Bible

Light is a recurring symbol in the Bible for God’s presence and revelation. From the light of creation to the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness and the light that accompanied the dedication of Solomon’s temple, light stands for God’s guidance and proximity. Jesus, as the light of the world, embodies God’s essence and His relationship with humanity. He is the true light that enlightens every person (John 1:9).

Jesus and Abraham (John 8:56-58)

Jesus emphasizes His eternal existence and His relationship with Abraham, which the Pharisees perceive as presumptuous. He explains that Abraham rejoiced at the prospect of Jesus’ day. By saying, “Before Abraham was, I am,” Jesus claims divine existence and identity, which the Pharisees see as blasphemy and therefore want to stone Him.

The Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9)

In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This healing demonstrates that God’s works are revealed through Jesus. The disciples and the Pharisees inquire about the cause of the blindness, but Jesus shifts the focus to the outcome: the revelation of God’s power and grace. This healing occurs on the Sabbath, prompting the Pharisees to again condemn Jesus as a lawbreaker.

The Pharisees’ Reaction

The Pharisees attempt to deny the miracle and intimidate the healed man and his parents. However, the formerly blind man bravely defends Jesus and points to the obvious divine origin of his healing. This defense leads to his expulsion from the synagogue. Jesus seeks him out and fully reveals Himself to him, whereupon the man worships Jesus as the Son of Man.

Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees

Jesus uses the healing of the man born blind to highlight the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees. They claim to see, but they reject the true light that Jesus offers. Their self-righteousness and pride prevent them from recognizing the truth, thus their sin remains.

Summary

Chapter 51 underscores the profound significance of Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus brings not only physical but also spiritual light into the world, revealing God’s truth and saving people from the darkness of sin. The healing of the man born blind serves as a practical example of Jesus’ mission and the necessity of accepting spiritual light. The Pharisees, however, remain trapped in their self-righteousness and reject the life-changing light that Jesus offers.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/28-07-2024-malachi-chapter-2-believe-his-prophets/

What happens after death and how do our beliefs about it shape our understanding of God’s character? This week, join Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as he continues with part two of chapter 33 of The Great Controversy by Ellen White.

In this episode, dive into the mysteries of life, death, and divine truth and discover the essence of God’s character behind it all. Watch to learn more.

Read The Great Controversy by Ellen White at https://greatcontroversyproject.org/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-33-part-2-the-first-great-deception-pastor-ted-wilson/

Does heaven and hell exist and do we live there eternally when we die? Join Pastor Ted Wilson, president of the Seventh-day Adventist Church, as he begins part one of chapter 33 of The Great Controversy by Ellen White.

In this episode, he exposes Satan’s lie about life and the state of the dead. Watch to learn more.

Read The Great Controversy by Ellen White at https://greatcontroversyproject.org/.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/the-great-controversy-chapter-33-part-1-the-first-great-deception-pastor-ted-wilson/

1.”Love must be the driving force behind everything we do. According to the principle of love, God governs heaven and earth.” How does the cross reveal this amazing truth? How can we reflect this kind of love in our lives? Why must we do this?

1. The Cross as a Revelation of God’s Love

The cross of Jesus Christ is the greatest revelation of divine love. It shows us that love is the driving force behind all of God’s actions.

• Self-Sacrifice: Jesus gave his life out of love for us. He took up the cross to bear the sins of the world and give us the possibility of salvation. “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:16).

• Unconditional Love: The love revealed on the cross is unconditional. Jesus died for us while we were still sinners (Romans 5:8). This shows that God’s love does not depend on our actions or merits.

2. Reflecting This Kind of Love in Our Lives We are called to reflect the love we have experienced at the cross in our own lives. Here are some ways we can do this:

• Self-Sacrifice and Service: Like Jesus, we are called to serve others and sacrifice for them. This means putting aside our own needs and desires to help and serve others.

• Forgiveness and Grace: We should forgive others as we have been forgiven. This means not holding grudges and forgiving those who have wronged us.

• Unconditional Love: Our love should not depend on others’ actions or merits. We should love all people, regardless of who they are or what they have done.

3. Why We Must Reflect This Love

• God’s Command: Jesus commanded us to love one another. “A new command I give you: Love one another. As I have loved you, so you must love one another” (John 13:34). This love is the mark of being a follower of Jesus.

• Testimony to the World: By our love for one another, people will know that we are Jesus’ disciples (John 13:35). Our love is a testimony to the world and shows the transformative power of the gospel.

• Healing and Transformation: Love has the power to heal and transform. When we reflect Christ’s love in our lives, we can heal relationships, bring peace, and positively influence the world around us.

Conclusion: The cross is the ultimate sign of God’s love, and we are called to reflect this love in our lives. By serving selflessly, forgiving, and loving unconditionally, we fulfill God’s command and bear witness to His love in the world. This love has the power to transform our lives and the world around us.

2.What would you say to someone who claims that Jesus told parables to keep outsiders in the dark? Why would Jesus, who died for every person (see 1 John 2:2), intentionally leave people, for whose salvation He died on the cross, in ignorance?

1.Understanding Jesus’ Intent with Parables

Purpose of Parables:

• Focus on Revelation and Reflection:

  • Purpose of Parables: Jesus used parables not to deliberately keep people in the dark, but to reveal deeper spiritual truths. Parables are vivid stories that use everyday images to convey complex spiritual concepts.

  • Testing Heart Attitudes: Jesus’ parables challenge listeners to think more deeply and examine their inner attitudes. They serve as a mirror reflecting the readiness and openness of the heart.

2. Biblical Passages Explaining the Purpose of Parables

• Mark 4:10–12:

  • Explanation to Disciples: In Mark 4:10–12, Jesus explains to his disciples why he speaks in parables. He quotes Isaiah 6:9–10 to show that many people hear and see but do not understand and perceive. This is not because of the parables themselves, but due to people’s hard-heartedness and prejudices.

  • Spiritual Blindness: Those who do not understand are often blinded by their own prejudices and unwillingness to change. Parables are a means to reveal this spiritual blindness.

• Matthew 13:10–17:

  • Given to Disciples: In Matthew 13:10–17, Jesus explains that the secrets of the kingdom of heaven are given to the disciples, while others are left in the dark. This means that those who are willing to hear and understand can perceive the depth of spiritual truths.

  • Revelation for Seekers: Parables reveal deep spiritual truths for those who genuinely seek and have an open heart.

3. Love and Redemptive Will of Jesus

• Jesus Died for All:

  • 1 John 2:2: “He is the atoning sacrifice for our sins, and not only for ours but also for the sins of the whole world.” Jesus died for the sins of all people. His sacrifice on the cross shows his unconditional love and desire for all to be saved.

• No Exclusion by Jesus:

  • Call for Openness: Jesus did not intend to exclude or keep people in ignorance. Instead, he wanted people to reflect on their spiritual state and open their hearts to God’s truth.

4. Practical Application and Encouragement

• Encouragement to Seek Truth:

  • Active Seeking: Jesus’ parables encourage us to actively seek truth and open our hearts to God’s teachings. This means being willing to reflect on what we hear and to change.

  • Faith Community: In the community of believers, we can explore the depth of parables together and develop a deeper understanding.

• Trust in God’s Revelation:

  • Divine Guidance: We can trust that God, through His Holy Spirit, will guide us and help us understand the spiritual truths hidden in the parables.

  • Patience and Perseverance: Spiritual understanding often comes gradually. We must be patient and persistent in exploring Jesus’ teachings.

Conclusion: Jesus used parables not to deliberately keep people in the dark, but to convey deeper spiritual truths and test the listeners’ hearts. Parables challenge us to open our hearts and actively seek spiritual understanding. Jesus died for all people, and his teachings are meant to help us recognize the truth and grow in our faith.

3.A lamp should be placed on a stand, not under a basket (Mark 4:21). Apply this principle to your church’s involvement in your community. How can you position the light higher?

Applying the Principle to Community Engagement: A lamp should be placed on a stand, not under a basket (Mark 4:21). This principle emphasizes that the light – the truth and love of God – should not be hidden but made visible. Here are practical ways for the church to apply this principle to its community engagement to position Christ’s light higher:

1. Public Testimony and Evangelism

• Making Faith Visible:

  • Evangelistic Events: Organize public events such as open-air services, evangelistic concerts, or street evangelism to publicly proclaim the gospel.

  • Sharing Testimonies: Encourage church members to share their faith stories and testimonies publicly to show how God is working in their lives.

• Spreading Faith Through Media:

  • Social Media: Use platforms like Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube to share sermons, devotions, and encouraging messages, reaching a broader audience.

  • Local Media: Publish articles in local newspapers or create a radio program to spread the message of the gospel.

2. Service to the Community

• Social Justice and Charity:

  • Relief Projects: Initiate projects such as food banks, clothing drives, or homeless shelters to help the needy in the community.

  • Family Support: Offer support for families through programs like parenting classes, tutoring for children, or counseling services.

• Partnerships with Local Organizations:

  • Collaboration: Work with local charities and social services to undertake joint projects and expand the reach of the church’s engagement.

  • Sharing Resources: Provide church facilities for community projects or meetings of other organizations.

3. Education and Empowerment

• Educational Initiatives:

  • Educational Programs: Organize educational programs and workshops on topics like financial management, job preparation, or health care.

  • Bible Schools and Courses: Offer Bible schools or faith courses to help people deepen their faith and learn more about the gospel.

• Youth and Young Adult Empowerment:

  • Youth Groups: Strengthen youth group activities with regular meetings, recreational activities, and mentoring programs.

  • Scholarships and Support: Support youth and young adults in their education through scholarships or practical help like tutoring or job preparation.

4. Welcoming Community

• Open and Inviting Atmosphere:

  • Hospitality: Be hospitable and open to all who visit the church. Organize regular community events like church picnics or barbecues to build relationships.

  • Inclusivity: Create an inclusive environment where people from all social backgrounds feel welcome.

• Participation and Involvement:

  • Membership and Volunteering: Encourage church members to actively participate in various church services and activities.

  • Feedback and Involvement: Provide opportunities for church members to give feedback and participate in decisions to foster a sense of belonging and responsibility.

5. Prayer and Spiritual Support

• Praying for the Community:

  • Prayer Walks: Organize prayer walks through the town, praying for the people and the concerns of the community.

  • Public Prayer Events: Host prayer meetings or prayer evenings open to non-church members as well.

• Spiritual Guidance and Counseling:

  • Pastoral Care: Offer pastoral care services for people in need, regardless of their religious affiliation.

  • Small Groups: Promote the formation of small groups where people can find spiritual community and support.

Conclusion: By positioning Christ’s light higher and strengthening its presence in the community, the church can be a powerful witness to God’s love and truth. Through public evangelism, social service, educational initiatives, welcoming community, and spiritual support, the church can place the light on a stand and carry the gospel into the world.

4.Consider the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26–29). What role does the human play in helping the seed of the gospel grow, and what role does God play? Although we clearly have a role, how can we still ensure that we are completely dependent on God? Could this attitude of total dependence…

In the Parable of the Growing Seed, Jesus describes the growth of the Kingdom of God through the image of a farmer who sows seeds. This parable emphasizes both the role of the human and the crucial role of God in the growth process.

The Role of Humans

Sowing the Seed:

• Proclaiming the Gospel: The primary task of humans is to sow the seed of the gospel. This is done through preaching, teaching, personal testimonies, and living by the principles of faith.

• Engagement and Service: Humans play an active role by carrying God’s word into the world and making the gospel come alive through good deeds and charity.

Waiting and Trusting:

• Patience: After sowing the seed, humans patiently wait for growth. This requires trust in the process and willingness to accept God’s timing.

• Continuous Nurture: Humans can positively influence the environment for growth through prayer, community, and support of the faith community.

The Role of God

Mysterious Growth:

• Divine Power: The actual growth of the seed happens by God’s hand. Humans cannot force or fully understand the growth process.

• Creative Power: God works in secret, bringing the seed to maturity. He is the one who causes growth and determines the final outcome.

Harvest Time:

• Completion: God determines the time of harvest, symbolizing the fulfillment of God’s kingdom and the return of Christ, who completes the work that has grown in secret.

Ensuring Total Dependence on God

1. Acknowledging Our Own Limits:

• Humility: Recognize that as humans, we have limited control and that true growth comes from God. This attitude of humility helps us acknowledge our dependence on God’s work.

• Trust: Trust in God’s plans and timing, even when we do not fully understand the process. This strengthens our faith in His wisdom and power.

2. Prayer and Spiritual Practice:

• Regular Prayer: Seek God’s guidance and help in prayer. Ask Him to cause growth and fulfill His plans.

• Bible Study: Deepen our understanding of God’s work through studying the Scriptures and recognizing His sovereignty.

3. Community and Support:

• Church Community: Encourage and support each other in the community of believers to trust in God and wait on Him. Joint prayer and sharing strengthen our dependence on God.

• Mentoring and Pastoral Care: Learn to deepen our dependence on God through spiritual guidance and mentoring, and support each other.

4. Practical Applications:

• Charity and Service: By serving others, we demonstrate God’s love and trust that He works through our actions.

• Giving Testimonies: Sharing our experiences and how we have seen God work in our lives encourages others and strengthens our faith.

Attitude of Total Dependence An attitude of total dependence on God means placing our trust and hope not in our own abilities, but in God’s power and wisdom. This attitude can be cultivated through humility, prayer, community support, and practical applications of faith. Through these measures, we ensure that we always rely on God and acknowledge His guidance and work in our lives and the world.

Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/lesson-4-parables-4-7-questions-the-book-of-mark-living-faith/