STRONG IN BLESSING (MALACHI 3:1-12)

Malachi calls Israel to a life of repentance and faithfulness to God. The blessing of God shall be poured on those who listen and obey God. REFLECTION Strong in blessing is the theme for our reflection. Blessing refers to God’s favour and protection which brings us satisfaction, joy and peace. During the time of Malachi,…

Jean-Paul Agidi

Nov 26, 2021

2–4 minutes

Malachi calls Israel to a life of repentance and faithfulness to God. The blessing of God shall be poured on those who listen and obey God.

REFLECTION

Strong in blessing is the theme for our reflection. Blessing refers to God’s favour and protection which brings us satisfaction, joy and peace.

During the time of Malachi, there was widespread corruption and disregard for the Word of God. It is for this reason God said to the Israelites through Malachi that “…I will draw near to you for judgment. I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, against the adulterers, against those who swear falsely, against those who oppress the hired worker in his wages, the widow and the fatherless, against those who thrust aside the sojourner, and do not fear me, says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3:5). In other words, we cannot remain in sin, be corrupt, act unjustly towards the less privileged in society and expect God to bless us.

The Lord is strong in blessing therefore He continues to be gracious and merciful to His people expecting them to repent and do His will. “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. From the days of your fathers, you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of hosts.” (Malachi 3:6-7). The Lord again reminds us in Jeremiah 29:11-12 that “For I know the plans I have for you, declares the LORD, plans for welfare and not for evil, to give you a future and a hope. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will hear you.”

My dear friend, the Lord is strong in blessing you wherever you are but the question is, how is your relationship with God? Your relationship with God is key in you becoming a beneficiary of His blessing and grace. If we obey God and do His will by loving our neighbours and doing what is just, God will bless us. If we obey God by giving to the church our tithe and contributions to promote God’s mission of sustaining the church and caring for the less privileged in the church and society, the Lord has promised to be strong in blessing us as seen in Malachi 3:8-11. When God is strong in blessing you for your faithfulness to him, “then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the LORD of hosts. (Malachi 3:12)

Beloved in the Lord, the manifold blessings of God await us therefore let us repent, draw closer and remain faithful in our relationship with the Lord for “….all these blessings shall come upon you and overtake you, if you obey the voice of the LORD your God. Blessed shall you be in the city, and blessed shall you be in the field. Blessed shall be the fruit of your womb and the fruit of your ground and the fruit of your cattle, the increase of your herds and the young of your flock. Blessed shall be your basket and your kneading bowl. Blessed shall you be when you come in, and blessed shall you be when you go out.” (Deuteronomy 28:2-6). Shalom

PRAYER

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. Amen. (Numbers 6:24-26)

Jean-Paul Agidi (Rev)