The book of Malachi has an interesting story.
What has happened is that God’s chosen people have had some troubles, and they have started saying, “It doesn’t make any difference if you honour God or not. The wicked are doing pretty well, and we aren’t. By their actions they tempt God and yet they go free!”
Malachi says in doing this they spoke evil of God and despised his words. They looked at his commandments as weariness, not wisdom. They chose their own way while still trying to be “righteous” by giving the dregs as offerings. And they did it because they were offended when they saw the wicked prosper.
But God loved them and honoured his promise to their fathers. Through the prophet, God told them how they could turn things around, because it was they who would have to do it. They would have to return to him in heart and word and deed.
As New Covenant believers we know our favour comes by the blood of Jesus, shed by love in order to set us free from the law of sin and death. But do we not need to guard our thoughts and words? If for no other reason than he’s told us how important and creative words are?
Interesting that the book of Malachi says a “book of remembrance” is being written, not of the words of the wicked, but of those who fear and honour God.
“‘And they shall be mine’ says the Lord of hosts,” (Malachi 3:17).
“‘Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them, So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord and meditate on His name” (Malachi 3:16-17).
FAY ROWE 