This is an introduction to the book of Malachi. This last prophet from the Old Testament brings a “weighty” challenge to God’s people then and now as God closes his word for 400 years. It will be 400 years until John the Baptist “prepares the way of the Lord.”

God’s people are now back from exile. The temple is rebuilt but is not as impressive as Solomon’s temple. The people are facing discouragement because their leaders are. So Malachi wants to make sure they are listening.

Abraham Lincoln came to realize reflecting on the scriptures that maybe the will of God was for the war to continue as retribution. Did he get that thought from Malachi?

I have been your Father for 1000 years. You, are my child Jacob. You are losing your love for me and it is the priests who are leading the way. Discouragement can easily creep into your community, your life.

Sacrifice means that it costs. Winston Churchhill told the British people that a World War II victory would take sacrifice. The Old Testament sacrificial system was designed to cost a lot because a sheep without blemish is an appropriate sacrifice to the King of Kings. For us it may mean sacrificing anger, it may mean […]

The sacrifices being offered to the Lord have become so outrageous that the Lord says, why don’t you just shut the doors on the temple. My name will be great among the nations in spite of you. From the rising to the setting of the sun His name will be great among the nations.

Lee Trevino loved the game of golf. He never lost it. In ancient Israel, the priests who represent the people to God, had lost their “love of the game.” What is the game? To honor the name of God.

Peter Drucker wrote in one of his later letters about the role of the teacher in our changing society. In ancient Israel 25 centuries ago, the teachers were the priests out of the family of Levi. God had given them that privilege but they were no longer in awe of God’s name and word. They […]

George Will has been known as a journalist who doesn’t pull any punches. He speaks his mind! Well God speaks His mind here and admonishes priests to teach His word in it’s entirety. This message makes the point that God’s Word teaches that all followers of Jesus Christ are priests. Priests help people know God.

In the movie the Gladiator, the gladiator speaks to his men as they are being surrounded by Roman Charioteers – “Men, we have a better chance of staying alive if we stay together.’ Unity is powerful and is at the heart of God. The Jewish Shema – “Hear, O Israel, The Lord our God, the […]