Day Eleven

You are cursed with a curse, for you are robbing me, the whole nation of you. Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. - Malachi 3:9-10

Malachi was a messenger of God who was sent with a specific word for the people of Israel about 100 years after they returned from Babylonian captivity. The temple had been rebuilt and life continued as normal. However, the Israelites of this time were much like their ancestors in that their hearts were far from God. Through Malachi, God brought a complaint against His people. He said plainly that they were robbing him.

I want you to imagine you are the parent of a school-aged child. You are a dedicated caregiver who lovingly provides all the things necessary for life and then some. Your child does not lack anything. He enjoys the benefits of your provision. Now imagine, that child begins stealing money from your wallet. Each day he takes a few dollars and reasons that he deserves it. Not only is he robbing you, but he is failing to express gratitude for your provision.

This is an imperfect illustration of what God says the Israelites were doing to him. They robbed him by half-heartedly following his commands (offering blemished animals as sacrifice) or not following them at all (withholding tithe money from the temple). To make matters worse, they were not even aware that they were so disobedient.

It has always been the character of God to want his people to flourish. He asks the Israelites to return to Him in both heart and deed, and He promises prosperity in return for their obedience. Part of returning to God meant continuing to care for the temple and provide for the priests.

God wanted the Israelites to understand that what is on the outside is often a reflection of what is on the inside. Their neglect of the temple reflected their neglect of God. We, too, can become unaware of our neglect of God. Take some time to reflect on the Israelites and their attitudes. Ask God if any of those same attitudes are in your heart and allow Him to change you in heart and deed.

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