SINNING AGAINST THE LOVE OF GOD

 

Do you know the greatest sin? The highest transgression? It is sinning against the One who has loved you unceasingly and perfectly. It is walking away from perfect Love.

The prophet Malachi speaks to God’s people as a voice. In the opening moment, God sets the foundation.

1 A pronouncement:

The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.

² “I have loved you,” says the Lord.

Yet you ask, “How have you loved us?”  (Mal 1:1–2)

Everything that follows in the prophecy is a call for them to return to the Lord. They have sinned against him in half-hearted, partial obedience and worship. They have sinned against him in how they treat their wives and families. They have sinned by withholding the tithe (a word that means 10%) … from giving the “whole tithe” to God and His work, failing to honor God bringing the first fruits of all He has blessed them with.

But the worst of all of these transgressions is that they have done this in spite of God’s perfect choosing, protecting, and loving them. It's the ultimate transgression against the ultimate affection.

AND US

Where are we ignoring God? His love and affection, His care and protection … and living as if His love was not there?

RETURN TO ME

Return to me, and I will return to you,” says the Lord of Armies. (Malachi 3:7)

God calls us back through Malachi. He is always gracious and merciful if we come in humble, repentant faith. He wants you to know Him deeply and experience Him fully, to love Him as He has loved us, but we must come home.

Here is a prayer that is on my heart this morning. Perhaps it gives voice to what may be in your heart too.

Father … what a privilege to call you “Father!” To be able, because of Christ, to stand with peace facing You as I enter into Your throne room; to enjoy Your presence, knowing You sent Your Son so I could be here and enjoy You forever, but also give You pleasure forever. Hallelujah!

Thank You that You are delighted that I am here for it is where I belong and where You designed me to be.

And now, Lord, help me be released from the distractions of this world: the deceitfulness of riches, reputation, and worldly pleasures, and an unexamined life. Help my soul—my mind, emotions, and will—be cleansed from the sin which so easily entangles me, deceiving my mind, inflaming or depressing my emotions, and hardening my will. Let the clear, continual vision of You in Your presence renew my mind dramatically, tune and channel my emotions properly, and break my will sufficiently. Make my will more pliable and soft, quick to hear and obey, offering no resistance, never withholding or ignoring You, but always leaning into You.

Thrill me daily, hourly with fresh understandings of You. Help me never to try to use You to glorify myself, but to deflect everyone’s gaze to You. And set my mind on things above where You are, seated on Your throne forever—holy, altogether lovely, perfect in every possible way; sovereign above all; ruling with justice and righteousness, with power and gentleness, with grace and truth.

And use me today, Lord, in whatever measure You desire.

Father, I love You today! It is only because You have first (and always) loved me. How overwhelming is that thought! Help me to love You more.

By Your grace and for Your glory. Amen.