In our study of Malachi 3 we will focus in this visit on things we should appropriate.
No matter what we have done to others to hurt or take advantage of them, or to God to dishonor Him, He extends an invitation in verse 7, “Ever since the time of your forefathers you have turned away from my decrees and have not kept them. ‘Return to me, and I will return to you,’ says the Lord Almighty.” God wants restoration. He wants you to be spiritually healthy and whole.
Verse 6 declares, “I the Lord do not change. So you, O descendants of Jacob, are not destroyed.” He is implying, they should have been destroyed. But He is patient, slow to anger, willing to extend His love and forgiveness. So appropriate this promise. If you return to God He will return to you in the sense you will know His presence once again.
Then, give God His due. Everything you have is His. You owe Him everything. All He asks is a tenth of it as a token that you acknowledge you belong to Him. In fact, we should be so grateful that we give Him free will offerings in addition to expressing our gratitude. Whatever we say or do, whatever we give is not out of obligation, but out of gratitude.
He delights in our giving. He also delights in our receiving from Him what He wants to give us. Somewhat surprisingly, He actually encourages us to test Him. He really does want us to experience His abundant grace. He wants us to “see if I will not throw open the floodgates of heaven and pour out so much blessing that you will not have room enough for it.
Why not appropriate this and His many other promises.
