God's Messengers

Today’s Text: Malachi 2:7-9

“The lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble…So I also have made you despised…just as you are not keeping My ways but are showing partiality.”

Words of Devotion

The people of God have a special responsibility. We may look like other people and share the same human nature. But we are set apart because of our relationship with the Lord. We are His representatives, the vessels through whom He speaks, citizens of His Kingdom, disciples of Jesus.

This means we must be careful about our words and actions. Because we are identified with Him, we face special scrutiny. Others examine our lives, wondering what we will do and say. We also face the scrutiny of God Himself. He honors faithful representatives, but warns and disciplines those who are not.

To this end, Malachi reminded the priests that they were God’s messengers. A leader is expected to live in such a way that others “should seek instruction from his mouth.” When they spoke, others should sense God-inspired revelation and God-centered wisdom.

But some were poor representatives. They had “turned aside from the way” and “caused many to stumble.” They had been “showing partiality,” acting in ways that would benefit themselves. To God, these actions were intolerable, and He warned that they would face judgment.

Yet God also revealed how much He wanted to bless them. He wanted to open “the windows of heaven and pour out for you a blessing until it overflows.” But these blessings only were possible for those who submitted their lives to Him, served Him faithfully, and brought “the whole tithe into the storehouse” (3:10).

Today, remember that you are God’s representative. Seek to be a faithful servant, a worthy representative, a true example of Jesus Christ and His Kingdom.

Following God's Schedule

Today’s Text: Romans 11:33-36

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and[a] knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments, and his paths beyond tracing out! (Vrs 33)

Words of Devotion

Most of us enjoy feeling in control of our own schedule and grow frustrated when things don't go according to plan. Yet if we truly desire to walk in the center of God's perfect will, we must become willing to cooperate with His time frame.

Consider how you pray about situations in your life. Without realizing it, you may be demanding that God follow the schedule you've constructed according to your very limited human wisdom. Yet if we believe He is who He says He is, how can surrendering to His way not be to our benefit? Think about His unique, praiseworthy qualities:

His all-encompassing knowledge… Unlike us, the Lord has complete awareness about our world and the details of every individual life--past, present, and future.

His complete wisdom… God understands man's every motive, whereas none of us are able to accurately discern people's intentions. We make choices based on partial information, whereas He has the wisdom to take action based on truth.

His unconditional love… Our Creator is always motivated by love and constantly has our best in mind. Unless we trust His heart, our view of reality will be distorted.

His perfect sufficiency… At just the right time, God will provide us with everything we need to carry out His plan.

Submitting to God's timetable requires faith and courage. Believe in the goodness of His heart and His plans--and determine to wait until He gives the signal to move forward. Then, as you follow His schedule, you'll experience the joy of watching Him make all things beautiful in His timing.