Malachi 3:6 (ESV Strong's)
6 “For I the LORD do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.
Doctrine Inspires a Change of Heart
Malachi is prophesying to the nation of Israel to change their heart. The nation had returned from captivity and had re-built the temple under Ezra and re-built the city under Nehemiah. However, the temple and the city were only outside manifestations of God’s glory. What God wanted to rebuild was the heart. So, under the prophecy of Zachariah and Malachi, God spoke doctrinal truth to inspire them to change their heart and re-build their love for God. Throughout this book there are multiple places of deep doctrine. The above verse states one of those doctrinal truths: God is Immutable ... He does not change. God does not change in character or in His covenant promises. God stays the same throughout generations. The writer of Hebrews uses this same truth to inspire His readers to persevere:
The writer of Hebrews uses this same truth to inspire His readers to persevere:
Hebrews 13:7-9 (ESV Strong's)
7 Remember your leaders, those who spoke to you the word of God. Consider the outcome of their way of life, and imitate their faith. 8 Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever. 9 Do not be led away by diverse and strange teachings, for it is good for the heart to be strengthened by grace, not by foods, which have not benefited those devoted to them.
It is a good thing that God doesn't change ... If He did they (Israel) would have been consumed. As would we. If God did not keep His promises we would all be destroyed due to the on-going sin in our lives. God’s immutability means we can count on God to act according to His character in all things at all times. It is note worthy that Malachi begins this section of his prophecy with God’s immutability. He is about to speak to them about their robbing God of their titles and offerings. The truth that God does not change is to be a truth that motivates them to correct their inward hearts about giving. God uses doctrine to motivate us. He uses deep doctrine. If they understood that God was the same yesterday, today and tomorrow, that would change their heart attitude toward giving God what He is due and to honor Him for who He is. Doctrine should not be text-book jargon. It should land into our hearts and motivates us to change our lives.
No comments:
Post a Comment