“Love’s Evidence”
Malachi

“Foundations” series
FINAL WEEK! Week #52of 52

If you were to measure the emotional state of your relationship with God,
would you say you feel more cherished or more neglected?

“Life was not easy. The Jews were under the political dominion of Persia. Harvests were poor and subject to locust damage. Most hearts were indifferent or resentful toward God. Both the priests and the people were violating the stipulations of the Mosaic Law regarding sacrifices, tithes and offerings. The people's hope in God's covenant promises had dimmed, as evidenced by their intermarriages with pagans, divorces and general moral ambivalence.”

Bible Knowledge Commentary, p1573.

God CHOSE Jacob and REJECTED Esau.

The reason they’re feeling distance from God is NOT because God has drifted away from THEM, but because THEY have drifted away from God.

God is OFFENDED by the people’s worship.

Am I giving God MY BEST, or does He tend to get my SCRAPS?

God STILL loves them.

Is it FAIR OF GOD to ask me to give my best to Him?

Has God given HIS BEST to me?

We give our best to those we love.

God FINDS JOY in blessing us!

If you return to Me, I’ll return to you.
Malachi 3:7

If you draw near to Me, I’ll draw near to you.
James 4:8

If you give Me your heart, I’ll give you Mine.

God made all that exists.

In rebellion & independence, people chose to walk away from our Maker and His love for us.

God pursued us into the darkness, giving up His Son as a sacrifice for our rebellion.

As believers, our future hope is full restoration to the Paradise we were made for – complete healing & union with God.

My NEXT STEP with God this week:

- Can I identify ways I am giving God my best, or do I see ways He’s only getting my scraps?

- What is one practical way I can respond to God’s invitation in Malachi 3:7? “Return to Me, and I will return to you”?

- Make a list of at least 10 ways God has already given me His best.