God’s Love in Malachi 1:2

Posted on August 17th, 2006 in Articles

I recently read the following from the Rev. T. V. Moore:

God is love. This is true even when he afflicts, for whom he loveth he chasteneth. We must not therefore infer that he does not love us, because he afflicts. The gardener prunes the grape which he values, not the thistle which he hates. The fruit tree that is highly prized is trimmed that it may bear more fruit, the forest tree that is designed for the flames is left to grow in unpruned luxuriance. Yet in answer to these assurances of God to us, we often say in our murmuring, “In what hast thou loved us. Where is the proof?” It is a mournful proof of human depravity that the love of God is often least acknowledged, where it is most manifested.

– Moore, Rev. T. V.; The Prophets of the Restoration: or Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi: A New Translation with Notes; Robert Carter and Brothers; New York; 1856; p.338.

The folks of Malachi’s day thought that the Lord owed them something. In particular they were of the opinion that they should receive material blessings from Him because they made an attempt at worshiping Him [a pretty poor attempt when you look at the quality of their offerings as described in chapter 1:6 - 2:9]. They sought God on their own terms and when He didn’t respond as they thought He should they became discouraged and upset with Him.

It struck me that folks today display this same attitude. Think of all the “health, wealth, and prosperity” preaching going on today, but don’t forget the myriads of churches that cater to the “felt needs” of “seekers” in an attempt to fill the pews. What would the prophet Malachi have thought of today’s churches? By and large, I don’t think he would be impressed, nor would he be very happy. I believe he would offer the same admonition that he offers in the closing verses of Malachi:

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the Lord of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. But for you who fear My name the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall.”

– Malachi 4:1-2, NASB

God owes us nothing. We own Him everything, especially those who are His covenant people. When a dark providence comes along, or we find ourselves being rightfully chastised, our first response should be to thank Him for his love. A good Father cares enough to do what is for our own good and for His glory ( Romans 8:28 ). Yet how quick are we to groan, grumble, and whine?

May our response and attitude be a biblical one. Let us follow Malachi’s admonition and walk in the fear of the Lord, going to meet with Him on His terms, not our own.