“Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. Malachi 4:4
I continue my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi. My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I continue with Malachi 4:1-6, focusing on a commentary-assisted review of 4:4. Excerpts from the commentary's third division for the text 4:1-6:
- Remembering the Law as a Means of Sustaining Present Obedience: We have not only Malachi 4:4, but we also have scripture elsewhere that emphasizes how we are to know, love and follow God as the commentary refers us to Joshua 1:7-9 and Psalm 1:1-3. These verses provide a "roadmap to success" regardless of what role you play. Success, of course, is not measured in riches but in terms of obedience to God and how God blesses those who trust and follow Him. Psalm 1:4 shares how the wicked, those who do not know, fear and follow God are doomed to destruction.
Believers must read, study, meditate on and apply the Word to their lives. As we (with the help of the Holy Spirit) do these things, God blesses us by (not exhaustive list):
- making us more like Him - He furthers the sanctification process. The sanctification process reinforces itself as the more we become like Him, the more we desire Him and He increasingly becomes our greatest treasure.
- driving greater obedience to His Word which in turn pleases God; this is of course important because we are His creation and we exist to glorify Him.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God You are an awesome God who loves me, and You give me the Word, and the Holy Spirit to give me greater understanding of Yourself and Your desire for me. Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of You save and how You provide Your Word and the Holy Spirit. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
