Bible Study - Nehemiah (2) - Plan - Nehemiah 2:1-18 - July 29, 2018

Bible Study – Nehemiah (2) – Plan – July 29, 2018

This is lesson two (2) in our series entitled “Nehemiah: Building a Life of Service.”

Our focus scripture is Nehemiah 2:1-8, 17-18.

Serving GOD requires intentionality.

How do we approach issues that need to be addressed? How did Nehemiah address the issues that he faced? Let’s explore!

Let’s read Nehemiah 2:1-5a:

Nehemiah Sent to Jerusalem

1 During the month of Nisan in the twentieth year of King Artaxerxes, when wine was set before him, I took the wine and gave it to the king. I had never been sad in his presence, 

The month of Nisan corresponds to our March/April time period. It was the first month of the Persian New Year.

When GOD calls us to obediently serve HIM, when opportunity opens, take it. We must be on the look-out for the opening.

Nehemiah knew he would be in the presence of the king because he would be serving the king wine. Nehemiah likely had been upbeat when he was in the presence of the king. But this day was different. Nehemiah had a heavy heart and the king picked up on Nehemiah’s sadness.

2 so the king said to me, "Why are you sad, when you aren't sick? This is nothing but sadness of heart." I was overwhelmed with fear 

3 and replied to the king, "May the king live forever! Why should I not be sad when the city where my ancestors are buried lies in ruins and its gates have been destroyed by fire?" 

The king gave Nehemiah the opportunity and opening for Nehemiah to share what was on his heart. It is natural to have fear when we tread into the unknown. But the key is that Nehemiah had bathed GOD’S call to him in prayer. He had confessed his sins and the sins of his father, his ancestral lineage and the Jewish nation. He knew with certainty that GOD had called him to go to Jerusalem to rebuild the wall even though the Jews who lived there had tried to rebuild the wall for 100 years.

It was a daunting task but Nehemiah had confidence and trust in GOD.  

4 Then the king asked me,

Let’s read Nehemiah 2:5b-8:

"What is your request?" So I prayed to the God of heaven 

5 and answered the king, "If it pleases the king, and if your servant has found favor with you, send me to Judah and to the city where my ancestors are buried, so that I may rebuild it." 

Nehemiah was taking a huge chance by asking the king to send him to Jerusalem to rebuild it. The king had issued orders, earlier, for all work to rebuild the walls surrounding Jerusalem to stop at the request of surrounding forces. He issued such a decree and the work ceased. Now, Nehemiah asked for the king’s permission to rebuild the walls.

Why would Nehemiah take such a risk? Nehemiah had faith in GOD and GOD’S assurance of HIS leadership. What more do we need wen GOD leads us to that which HE desires. Those living in Jerusalem had tried to rebuild the walls and temple for over 100 years but failed. Why? Were those attempting to rebuild working in their power and strength? Certainly, it is clear that Nehemiah was being led by GOD. This was not some notion he came up with. It all began with a broken heart that a physical structure, the temple, the walls surrounding Jerusalem and the gates into Jerusalem had been destroyed. It was a disgrace to GOD’S people and to GOD.

JESUS taught HIS disciples that they were the salt of the earth and the light of the world. We Christians who know the truth are the salt of the earth and the light of the world and as such when others see our lives what do they see? Do our lives reflect the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit or do our lives reflect our failed attempts to run our lives in our own strength according to our will and purpose?

As Christians, ask the Holy Spirit to examine your lives and reveal to you the truth that our lives reflect.

6 The king, with the queen seated beside him, asked me, "How long will your journey take, and when will you return?" So I gave him a definite time, and it pleased the king to send me. 

Nehemiah responded. Doing so revealed that Nehemiah had given his request serious thought. Being properly prepared when we plan a task is vital to its and our success. Prayer and planning go together.

7 I also said to the king: "If it pleases the king, let me have letters [written] to the governors of the region west of the Euphrates River, so that they will grant me [safe] passage until I reach Judah. 

8 And [let me have] a letter [written] to Asaph, keeper of the king's forest, so that he will give me timber to rebuild the gates of the temple's fortress, the city wall, and the home where I will live. "The king granted my [requests], for I was graciously strengthened by my God. 

Notice how gracious Nehemiah is toward the king “If it pleases the king.” In other words, “I have thought this matter through but I recognize and acknowledge you as king and your perspective is important and vital to me. What do you think about what I have just told you?” This reflects the humility of Nehemiah toward the king, which comes from his humility toward GOD.

GOD does not like a haughty attitude. Proverbs 18:12:

12 Before a downfall the heart is haughty, but humility comes before honor.

                                                                                                                  

Let’s read Nehemiah 2:9-16:

9 So I went to the governors of Trans-Euphrates and gave them the king’s letters. The king had also sent army officers and cavalry with me. 

10 When Sanballat the Horonite and Tobiah the Ammonite official heard about this, they were very much disturbed that someone had come to promote the welfare of the Israelites.

Nehemiah personally took the letters to the governors responsible for the region surrounding Jerusalem. We learn that Sanballat and Tobiah, two governors in the region, did not want to see anyone helping the Israelites.

Often, when people are down, many do not want to see them get a helping hand to stand. But the concerns of some of the surrounding area leaders did not deter Nehemiah. Why do you think Nehemiah proceeded with the plan to restore the walls even though there was opposition?

Nehemiah Inspects Jerusalem’s Walls

11 I went to Jerusalem, and after staying there three days 

To me it is interesting that Nehemiah studied the situation for three days. Any thoughts about why three days? Could it have been a foreshadow of the three days JESUS was among the dead before GOD resurrected HIM? GOD was leading Nehemiah to lead others to restore the walls surrounding Jerusalem.  

12 I set out during the night with a few others. I had not told anyone what my God had put in my heart to do for Jerusalem. There were no mounts with me except the one I was riding on. 

Another interesting foreshadow related to the crucifixion of JESUS as we read in 1 Corinthians 2:6-8:

6 We do, however, speak a message of wisdom among the mature, but not the wisdom of this age or of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. 

7 No, we declare God’s wisdom, a mystery that has been hidden and that God destined for our glory before time began. 

8 None of the rulers of this age understood it, for if they had, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

Nehemiah needed this time for him to have no distractions while he studied the situation and sought the wisdom of GOD and possible input from trusted associates. We do not know but, my guess, that as Nehemiah assessed the situation he was praying and seeking GOD’S guidance and input.

13 By night I went out through the Valley Gate toward the Jackal Well and the Dung Gate, examining the walls of Jerusalem, which had been broken down, and its gates, which had been destroyed by fire. 

14 Then I moved on toward the Fountain Gate and the King’s Pool, but there was not enough room for my mount to get through; 

15 so I went up the valley by night, examining the wall. Finally, I turned back and reentered through the Valley Gate. 

16 The officials did not know where I had gone or what I was doing, because as yet I had said nothing to the Jews or the priests or nobles or officials or any others who would be doing the work. 

Often, it is wise to keep our plans to ourselves until they are complete in your mind before we share them. Firm plans, confirmed by GOD are the path forward whether you are rebuilding a physical wall or a life dedicated to obediently serving GOD. Once we have thought through our plans in the presence of GOD, we can share them with trusted friends or associates mainly to see if we have overlooked something.

Let’s read Nehemiah 2:17-18:

17 So I said to them, "You see the trouble we are in. Jerusalem lies in ruins and its gates have been burned down. Come, let's rebuild Jerusalem's wall, so that we will no longer be a disgrace." 

Who are the “them?” Verse 16 identifies “them.” “Them” are those who have been trying to rebuild the walls without success. Nehemiah had surveyed the situation from all directions and came to the conclusion that step one was to rebuild the walls and the gates to Jerusalem. In essence, Nehemiah seemed to be saying to those who had attempted to rebuild Jerusalem, you folks have been going through the motions of attempting to reestablish worship in Jerusalem and rebuild the physical structure. But look at it. You have been working in your own strength. Does Jerusalem represent the GOD you worship? No! Jerusalem is a disgrace. Is the GOD of Israel reflected in the ruins you see around you? No! When we obediently restore the walls and gates, it will be a message to all that our GOD is magnificent and worthy of worship. So let’s get started.

18 I told them how the gracious hand of my God had been on me, and what the king had said to me. They said, "Let's start rebuilding," and they were encouraged to [do] this good work.

Nehemiah follows his challenge with an example that GOD desires for the walls and gates to be rebuilt. GOD has provided the materials; we must use them to glorify GOD as we put our faith to work for all to witness.

GOD had already worked to provide what was needed through the cooperation of the king. Despair and lack of confidence in GOD was replaced with renewed vigor and faith in GOD to get the job completed. “Let’s start rebuilding!” Does a strong commitment mean smooth sailing ahead? We will see as our study continues next week.

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Nehemiah (1) - Pray - Nehemiah 1 vs 1-11 - July 22, 2018

Bible Study – Nehemiah (1) – Pray – July 22, 2018

This is lesson one (1) in our new series entitled “Nehemiah: Building a Life of Service.”

Our focus scripture is Nehemiah 1:1-11.

Pour out your heart to GOD in prayer.

For the next six weeks we will study the book of Nehemiah. It is a beautiful picture of GOD’S love for HIS chosen people. All people are GOD’S chosen people. HE chose to reveal Himself through Abraham and the Israelite's first but to all people through HIS only Son, JESUS.

The historical study of the rebuilding of the walls surrounding Jerusalem gives us a beautiful picture of the rebuilding of lives that have been destroyed as the result of sin. Let’s explore!

Prayer is vital both for the Christian and the non-Christian. Prayer is talking to GOD and listening to HIS response. All humans can talk to GOD and seek HIS guidance to truth and salvation, which is HIS only Son, JESUS. The ultimate truth is that JESUS was and is GOD’S only SON, Who willingly came to earth in the flesh to be born and live as 100% human. 

JESUS was fully capable of sinning but HE remained sinless. Yet, HE was tempted in all ways as humans are tempted. HIS sinless life qualified HIM to be the perfect, acceptable sacrifice, to GOD, to pay in full, for the sin of mankind. JESUS opened the path between HIM and GOD when HE gave HIS life by the shedding of HIS blood on the cross. But every person must personally accept JESUS as his or her Savior. When a person accepts JESUS as his or her Savior believing that JESUS died for his or sins and asks JESUS to forgive him or her for his or her sin; HE does and that triggers the miracle of rebirth in that person’s spirit. The miracle of rebirth in confirmed by the indwelling of the Holy Spirit when that person is born-again in his or her spirit. 

This Spiritual rebirth eternally changes the person’s spirit to Spirit which will live eternally with GOD and confirms that he or she is a child of GOD. Every born-again believer at that instant has eternal life, which will never be lost. Once GOD'S Son or Daughter, always GOD'S Son or Daughter. Never forget that! Trust your relationship with GOD through your faith in JESUS even in the darkest times in your life. GOD will never leave you or forsake you! Count on it!

How do we know that? JESUS lived and died as 100% human but GOD raised HIM from the physically dead to be the example and confirmation that JESUS paid the penalty for sin, in full, for all who will place their faith in JESUS. There is no other way to satisfy the penalty for sin. No person can be good enough, work hard enough or give enough to satisfy the debit for sin, which is eternal death.

JESUS gave HIS sinless life to pay, in full, the debit for sin for each person who will place his or her faith in HIM. What does that do for that person? In the twinkling of the eye his or her sins are forgiven and he or she receives eternal life, which can only come through faith in JESUS.

How do we know that? JESUS was resurrected from being physically dead after HIS crucifixion. GOD raised JESUS, HIS only Son, from the physically dead to receive HIS Glorified body as GOD’S example to all humans. What do we, as humans, with the freewill to choose need to do? 

Every person has a choice to either accept or reject JESUS as his or her Savior. This is GOD’S free gift to all mankind.

John 3:16-18 expresses the love of GOD to all mankind:

16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 

17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. 

18 Whoever believes in him is not condemned, but whoever does not believe stands condemned already because they have not believed in the name of God’s one and only Son. 

Now is your opportunity to accept JESUS as your Savior. Will you? My prayer is that you will. Don’t try to understand it but take a step of faith and trust JESUS as your Savior by asking HIM to forgive you for your sins and for HIM to come into your heart. When the Holy Spirit comes into your heart, HE will give you the understanding and assurance you need.

Living the Christian life is a Spiritual journey designed to build an intimate, loving, personal relationship through faith in JESUS with GOD. There will be times of peace and trouble but always with GOD, through the indwelling Holy Spirit, being with you.

We can read of the history of GOD’S chosen people, the Israelites and for many Christians get a picture of our Spiritual journey. Even though Christians journey through life with Spiritual ups and downs, the net result is onward and upward as we continue to trust JESUS.

This does not mean that all of our life’s journey will be easy.

Who was Nehemiah? GOD places those HE calls at the right place at the right time with the desire to obediently serve HIM. Let’s explore!

After the reign of King Solomon, Israel was divided into the Northern Kingdom (Israel) and the Southern Kingdom (Judah). Israel lasted about 200 years. In 722 B.C. Israel was conquered by Assyria and the Jews were scattered to other areas of the Assyrian Empire. Judah lasted until 587 B.C. until it was conquered by Babylon. The Babylonians took about 10,000 Jews back to Babylon as exiles. They were allowed to remain together as a Jewish community. GOD always spares a remnant.

Then in 539 B.C. the Babylon Empire was conquered by Cyrus the Great of the Persian Empire. GOD orchestrated all of this. Cyrus was a wise and humane leader who wanted loyal subjects. So with the “Edict of Cyrus” declared in 539 B.C. the Jewish leaders could return home/Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. Many Jews responded to this opportunity but life was difficult. The temple was rebuilt but fell back into ruins because of raiders destroying it.

In 458 B.C. King Artaxerxes sent Ezra to Judah to repair and renovate the temple and reestablish the sacrificial system. Ezra was a priest and a scribe.

The temple was reestablish for worship but when the people tried to rebuild the walls surrounding the temple the neighboring community took it as a sign of they were preparing for rebellion. King Artaxerxes ordered the rebuilding of the walls to stop. Not only did the work stop but what had been completed was torn down.

Who could GOD call to take on such a rebuilding task? GOD call Nehemiah to complete the task. Nehemiah arrived in Judah about 27 years after the Temple’s rededication and 13 years after Ezra began his ministry, which was 445 B.C. Who was Nehemiah? Had he even been to Jerusalem before going there to accomplish an awesome task?

With this background let’s back up to see the hand of GOD at work. 

Nehemiah could not see it. He had to trust GOD when he could not see the conclusion but we get to see GOD at work and the conclusion. As Christians, we must trust GOD when HE calls us to be obedient to HIS calling and trust HIS conclusion to that which HE has called us.  

Let’s read Nehemiah 1:1-3:

1 The words of Nehemiah son of Hacaliah: During the month of Chislev in the twentieth year, when I was in the fortress city of Susa,

The time period is roughly between mid-November and mid-December 446 B.C. Nehemiah was with King Artaxerxes at the winter place for the Persian kings which was located in Susa, which we know today as southwestern Iran. We also know this area regarding Esther and the vision of Daniel in chapter 8.

News from Jerusalem

2 Hanani, one of my brothers, arrived with men from Judah, and I questioned them about Jerusalem and the Jewish remnant that had returned from exile. 

3 They said to me, "The survivors in the province, who returned from the exile, are in great trouble and disgrace. Jerusalem's wall has been broken down, and its gates have been burned down."

Hanani is recorded as one of Nehemiah’s brothers. Speculation is that Hanani was actually Nehemiah’s blood brother who was part of their delegation coming from Jerusalem to report on the status of the rebuilding efforts. Nehemiah was deeply interested in their report and progress.

When the delegation gave their report it broke Nehemiah’s heart.

When our hearts are broken to whom do we turn? Let’s read on to see to Whom Nehemiah turned ---

Often, when we hear a report of a fellow Christian brother or sister who has been attacked by our defeated enemy Satan, what is our reaction? In essence, the Spiritual walls to his or her life have been breached and the gates to his or her life have been destroyed. As Christians, what should our reaction be?

Often, when fellow brothers or sisters in CHRIST open up their lives to Satan through sin realize what they have done, they attempt to rebuild their relationship with GOD/JESUS on their own. But the forces of evil in their lives keep them discouraged and defeated with such notions as “GOD/JESUS does not love you any longer.” As Christians, does such Spiritual conditions lead us to turn away from the fellow Christian who has fallen into sin or lead us to ask “LORD what would YOU have us to do?” What should our first response be? This is true when Spiritual issues impact individuals or the church.

As Christians called to such a ministry, we must keep an eye upon ourselves as recorded in Galatians 6:1:

1 Brothers, if someone is caught in any wrongdoing, you who are spiritual should restore such a person with a gentle spirit, watching out for yourselves so you won't be tempted also. 

Let’s read on --

Let’s read Nehemiah 1:4-7:

Nehemiah's Prayer

4 When I heard these words, I sat down and wept. I mourned for a number of days, fasting and praying before the God of heaven. 

5 I said, Lord God of heaven, the great and awe-inspiring God who keeps His gracious covenant with those who love Him and keep His commands, 

6 let Your eyes be open and Your ears be attentive to hear Your servant's prayer that I now pray to You day and night for Your servants, the Israelites. I confess the sins we have committed against You. Both I and my father's house have sinned. 

7 We have acted corruptly toward You and have not kept the commands, statutes, and ordinances You gave Your servant Moses. 

The report of the delegation from Jerusalem broke Nehemiah’s heart. A broken heart is one thing but what we can do about a situation is another. Nehemiah immediately went before GOD. This situation was huge but the One True GOD he served was the One Who had the power to resolve the issues.

Nehemiah’s first response was to confess his sins and the sins of the Jewish nation. This shows humility and acknowledgement that sin is a barrier to having the right relationship with GOD. Nehemiah did not want any barriers to exist between him and GOD.

This is what our faith relationship in JESUS does between us, as Christians, and GOD. Through our faith relationship in JESUS all Christians can come into the very throne room of GOD and call HIM Father or even more intimately, “Daddy.” GOD is still at work just as powerful since the beginning. Do we, as Christians, believe it? If not we need to confess it and seek HIS forgiveness. That is the right beginning for Christians to come into the presence of GOD to seek HIS help.

Is GOD interested in the issues that come into our lives as HIS Children? You bet! Often, issues come into our lives to bring us closer to HIM. In our scripture, we see that Nehemiah’s immediate response was to reach out to GOD. Why? It is because HE trusted GOD and knew GOD to be all powerful and all knowing.

Does this mean that the call GOD issued to Nehemiah would be easy? NO!

Let’s read Nehemiah 1:8-11:

8 Please remember what You commanded Your servant Moses: "[If] you are unfaithful, I will scatter you among the peoples. 

9 But if you return to Me and carefully observe My commands, even though your exiles were banished to the ends of the earth, I will gather them from there and bring them to the place where I chose to have My name dwell."

10 They are Your servants and Your people. You redeemed [them] by Your great power and strong hand. 

11 Please, Lord, let Your ear be attentive to the prayer of Your servant and to that of Your servants who delight to revere Your name. Give Your servant success today, and have compassion on him in the presence of this man. [At the time,] I (Nehemiah) was the king's cupbearer.

I used to pray with a friend who prayed with his Bible at his hand. He would remind GOD of HIS promises or covenants that HE had made. This is what Nehemiah was doing. He reminded GOD of the words HE spoke to Moses. GOD’S promises and covenants are eternal unless exceeded by even better promises or covenants. Let’s read this scripture again.

GOD’S Word never changes. So why remind GOD of HIS promises or covenants? It is for us and not for HIM.

Nehemiah was planning to approach the king that day. He asked for GOD’S blessings as he put into action what GOD had laid upon his heart. He acknowledged that he was only the kings’ cupbearer. He needed the king to trust him to accomplish the task in Jerusalem. He needed resources to get the job done, thus he needed the full support of the king. He knew that an easy out for the king would be for the king to reply to his request in a negative manner e.g. “Gee, Nehemiah you are only my wine taster. You are not an engineer. Why do you think you can accomplish what your fellow Jews have failed to accomplish in the last 100 years? What do you think? When GOD calls, HE provides.

Nehemiah had to have the courage of his conviction. He had to suck-it-up and ask the king risking the possibility of being denounced and ridiculed. But what happened? We will see in next week’s study.

With GOD nothing is impossible. Our part is to trust and obey.

What did JESUS teach HIS disciples in Matthew 17:20?

20 "Because of your little faith," He told them. "For I assure you: If you have faith the size of a mustard seed, you will tell this mountain, 'Move from here to there,' and it will move. Nothing will be impossible for you.

Have you seen the size of a mustard seed?

Blessings!!!

Bible Study - Special Lesson - Tithing - An Obedient Response to GOD - Malachi 3:7-12 - July 15, 2018

Bible Study – Special Lesson – Tithing – An Obedient Response to GOD – July 15, 2018

This is a special lesson on tithing or giving.

Is giving more than money? Do Christians give in order to get? Does GOD want our money or does HE want our relationship?

What is the greatest gift that a Christian can give to GOD? It is ourselves by seeking to build the right relationship with GOD on a daily basis. When we are in right relationship with GOD, then our lifestyle reflects this relationship.

Our focus scripture is Malachi 3:7-12.

Respond to GOD’S goodness through a tithe of your income.

Tithing can be painful when done out of obligation. Many of us love our possessions, especially our money. We might need it one day. Can GOD provide for all of our needs? Certainly GOD desires for us to be wise with the resources HE allows us to manage.

Our giving is a reflection of our heart toward GOD. We often get the cart before the horse. Christians must build the right relationship with GOD. When we are in right relationship, our giving, according to the leadership of GOD through the indwelling Holy Spirit, takes on new meaning. Giving is an expression of our gratitude toward GOD and trusting HIM to provide for our needs.   

Trusting GOD is a Spiritual growth process. There are times when HE tosses us into the deep water. But when that happens we must remember what JESUS taught in Matthew 7:7-11:

7 “Ask and it will be given to you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. 

8 For everyone who asks receives; the one who seeks finds; and to the one who knocks, the door will be opened. 

9 “Which of you, if your son asks for bread, will give him a stone? 

10 Or if he asks for a fish, will give him a snake? 

11 If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him! 

The LORD gave me a profound teaching recently regarding my financial resources. HE revealed to me that I had made one of the financial investments my god. My wisdom was greater than HIS wisdom. It was a powerful and hard lesson but one that I needed.

Often, we use our resources to accumulate just a little more, when the Holy Spirit is telling us to use what we have.

Let’s explore!

The Book of Malachi was written by the Prophet Malachi. His ministry was around 450 B.C. GOD led him to address six major Spiritual issues which the Jews needed to recognize and deal with: (Loosely Copied from pages 87-88 of the “Advanced Bible Study,” summer 2018, Dr. Wayne Van Horn, One LifeWay Plaza, Nashville, TN 37234.)

-       

  The Jews doubted GOD’S expressed love for them. (Malachi 1:1-5)

-         The priests despised GOD’S name. (Malachi 1:6-2:9)

-         The people dealt treacherously with each other. (Malachi 2:10-16)

-         The people wearied GOD by questioning HIS justice. (Malachi 2:17-3:6.)

-         The people robbed GOD of tithes and offerings. (Malachi 3:7-12)

-         The people spoke harshly against GOD. (3:13-4:6)

During this time period, Judah was a small province of the Persian Empire which included Jerusalem and the surrounding region. In the surrounding region there were 48 cities where the tribe of Levi lived so they could teach the Law of Moses and train the people of GOD in covenant living. The people had to pay annual tribute of gold, silver or other possessions to the Persian kings. Inflation was 40-50 percent.

The Jews had lost hope in GOD, likely, because the priests had also lost hope in GOD. When the religious leaders lose hope, they fail to lead, which equals despair.

GOD called Ezra, the scribe, to reintroduce the Law of Moses; Nehemiah the governor to apply his administrative skills to reconstruct the walls of Jerusalem and Malachi the prophet to confront GOD’S people regarding their egregious behavior against GOD.

When those who know the One True GOD abandon HIM that is a nation headed for serious trouble. America beware!

I believe America is headed for a time of prosperity. Prosperity can lead to self-sufficiency and self-sufficiency can lead to Spiritual compromise. We, as Christians, must stay focused on Spiritual truth and the leadership of the Holy Spirit. If we use our resources to the Glory of GOD, much will be accomplished to spread the Gospel around the world.

The priests had grown cold and calloused, thus the Jews had no Spiritual leadership.

Let’s read Malachi 3:7-12:

Robbing God

7 "Since the days of your fathers, you have turned from My statutes; you have not kept [them]. Return to Me, and I will return to you," says the Lord of Hosts. But you ask: "How can we return?" 

GOD delivered the Israelites from Egyptian bondage and in doing so revealed Himself to them. GOD chose the Israelites to be HIS people and HIS desire was for the Israelites to choose HIM, which they did. HE also wanted to have a personal relationship with each of them, just as HE had with Moses. But they chose an arm’s length relationship. They chose Moses to be their go-between. Thus the establishment of a priest as the go-between. GOD manifested Himself to them yet over time they would abandon HIM. HE would allow events to come into their lives which would get their attention and they would return to GOD. Yet, GOD’S love for HIS chosen people never failed.

Some one thousand years after their deliverance from Egyptian bondage, the Israelites had strayed again. Even the priests had strayed.

GOD called the prophet Malachi to urge the Israelites to return to HIM and HE would return to them.

The use of the word “return” had a dual meaning. The first use of “return” meant to turn and go in the opposite direction. The Israelites had strayed from GOD and GOD was offering them an opportunity to return to HIM. This use of the first “return” carried the idea of repentance or going in the opposite direction e.g. turning from a life of sin to a life of obedience to GOD.

The second use of “return” applies to GOD. When a person desires to return to GOD, HE is open and ready to receive him or her. GOD never leaves or forsakes anyone seeking HIM.

Sin is a barrier but JESUS broke the sin barrier when HE gave HIS sinless life on the cross by the shedding of HIS blood. When a person places his or her faith in JESUS, he or she is born Spiritually into the family of GOD. When a Christian sins, he or she never loses his or her salvation. He or she is always GOD’S Son or Daughter. GOD never abandons HIS child.

Satan does all he can to convince Christians that when they sin, GOD has abandoned them. Satan also works to convince non-Christians that they have been so sinful that GOD has abandoned them. Both are Satan’s lies. JESUS waits ready to welcome all when we, as Christians, return to HIM or come to HIM seeking salvation. Remember the story of the prodigal son as recorded in Luke 15:11-32.

It would be about 450 years before The Promised Messiah, GOD’S Only SON, JESUS, would come to earth as 100% human. Meanwhile, GOD was getting things in order for that magnificent event.

GOD’S desire was for HIS chosen people to return to the scriptures and be guided by them so they would be ready for this planned event before the world was created.

GOD identified Himself as the LORD of Hosts or in some translations “the Lord of Armies.” This is a title for GOD which refers to HIM as the self-existent redemptive GOD Who rules over HIS angelic hosts and the forces of the Israelites.

GOD established HIS authority as to why HE could make such a statement to the Israelites through the Prophet Malachi.

GOD had manifested Himself throughout the lives of the Israelites and the Israelites knew it. GOD placed HIS finger on a symptom of their broken relationship with HIM. They were robbing GOD by not giving. But it was more than not giving, it was deeper. It was that their hearts toward GOD were cold, calloused and hard which was manifested by not giving.

This was GOD’S attention getter for the Israelites to acknowledge that they had not been giving. True facts cannot be refuted. 

8 "Will a man rob God? Yet you are robbing Me!" You ask: "How do we rob You?" "[By not making the payments] of 10 percent and the contributions. 

9 You are suffering under a curse, yet you-the whole nation-are [still] robbing Me. 

GOD was telling the Israelites, in essence, “You people know you are suffering but you do not know why. It is simple, your relationship with ME (GOD) is non-existent. You are under a self-imposed curse brought about by your actions toward ME. You have removed yourselves from MY banner of blessings because of your hard hearts.”

GOD was telling the Israelites that they had an opportunity to begin to restore their relationship with HIM by one simple act. They were to give 10% and make contributions in addition to the 10%.

Small steps of obedience, lead to giant steps of growing faith in GOD.

Obedience to GOD’S command leads to GOD’S grace being extended to those giving which in turn reaches out to others.

10 Bring the full 10 percent into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way," says the Lord of Hosts. "See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. 

GOD instructed them to bring their 10% and contributions to the storehouse. The storehouse was used to provide goods to those in need and to sustain their religious leaders. One storehouse was located in Jerusalem but there were other storehouses located in each of the forty-eight (48) Levitical cities. Every third year, tithes and contributions were to remain at the local Levitical cities to help the Levites, alien residents, widows and orphans.

Here we must be careful. Often, our human nature takes over when we read “Bring the full 10 percent into the storehouse so that there may be food in My house. Test Me in this way," says the Lord of Hosts. "See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure.” This is GOD’S promise and covenant but does it apply to Christians today?

If we give to get, it will backfire. When we give with ulterior motives our hearts are corrupt. GOD desires pure hearts toward HIM. When our hearts are pure, then GOD, Who sees all from HIS vantage point, guards us and our resources as we read in our next scripture ----

11 I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your ground, and your vine in your field will not be barren," says the Lord of Hosts. 

12 "Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land," says the Lord of Hosts.

GOD delights when we prosper because of our relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS. When we, as Christians, give from hearts that are the result of building and knowing GOD through our relationship with HIM through faith in JESUS, it reveals Spiritual growth and maturity. Spiritual growth is a process; sanctification.

When we give, are our motives pure and true?

Let’s consider Psalm 139:23:

23 Search me, O God, and know my heart! Try me and know my thoughts! (ESV)

Christians are individuals but individuals make up countries and nations. When GOD considers our hearts toward HIM how do we measure up?

Never let giving take the place of our building the right relationship with GOD through faith in JESUS. But let our giving be a reflection of our trust and faith in GOD, out of our love for HIM and our faith in JESUS.

Blessings!!!