Have you ever had someone tell a story about you that simply wasn’t true?
Maybe others who heard it knew you well enough not to believe it. If not, it
could be humiliating. We had a situation where a child told a story that simply
wasn’t true. Thankfully, when the principal got wind of it, he didn’t believe it
but certainly let us know about it! We had a serious conversation with that child
to understand what precipitated such a story and to point out the seriousness
of defaming someone. That child had a steep consequence to further reiterate the
point.
The priests of Malachi’s day defamed God’s name and His law, condoning
sin and leading people into sin.
Malachi 2:7-9
“For the lips of a priest ought to preserve
knowledge, because he is the messenger of the Lord Almighty and
people seek instruction from his mouth. 8 But you
have turned from the way and by your teaching have caused many to
stumble; you have violated the covenant with Levi,” says
the Lord Almighty. 9 “So I have caused
you to be despised and humiliated before all the people, because you
have not followed my ways but have shown partiality in matters of the
law.”
The priests had failed at their job as messengers of God Almighty. They
were not preserving the knowledge of God for themselves or for those they led. They
had turned away from God and had also led others to turn away. The consequence
for breaking God’s covenant was that they were despised and humiliated. They
defamed God and He exposed them.
God wasn’t smiting them. He had warned them repeatedly about what would
happen to those who were disobedient. Yet, He had also promised abundant
blessings to the obedient. He was long-suffering and gave them numerous
opportunities to repent and return.
I want to be a parent, friend, and leader who’s a reliable messenger of God, preserving knowledge of our promise-keeping, loving God! How will you be a reliable messenger this week?
Alice
No comments:
Post a Comment