“My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty.
Malachi 1:11
Dear HBIC Family,
This week as we continue our series, Malachi: Faithfulness in Body & Spirit, the prophet begins to address the fruit of a people whose faith had grown apathetic. Lack of concern, care, and enthusiasm for God resulted in broken covenant promises, pathetic sacrifices, and a people who withheld their best in life and in worship. Apathetic faith and worship never pleases God; it dishonors our God who is most worthy and all deserving of our very best.
Years ago, I was blessed to work alongside the Summers family at Camp Iroquoina. I was initially perplexed as to how people could live at camp all year round. As I got to know them, I was impressed by the commitment of the whole family to serve the camp that had become my second home. The Summers were an “all hands on deck,” serve wholeheartedly, and do everything for God’s glory kind of crew. It was a blessing to see, and they made this impression that’s stayed with me all these years: All of life is worship to God, and all we do should be worship to God.
Apathy robbed God’s people of this lesson by the time we reach the book of Malachi. They began by questioning God’s love, despite God’s impressive resume that included creating, choosing, and caring for them for generations. They lived in ways that dishonored God, and they worshipped half-heartedly. Yet, they still had the audacity to question God about how they had shown contempt for God.
As you prepare for this week’s service, I invite you to read and meditate on Malachi 1:6-14 and also 2 Chronicles 7. As you reflect, I would like to ask you to focus on the following questions:
How has God been clearly revealed to you? What name of God do you hold on to?
Who has God called you to be?
How has God invited you to worship?
How are you faithfully serving God with your gifts?
What is holding you back from giving God your best?
How is your life giving glory to God each day?
As I was growing up, our family did devotions before church. I wish that I could say that I loved them, but I did not. I was usually grumpy, mostly frustrated, and definitely “over it.” To me, having 2-3 services ahead of you that day meant that we ought to at least get the early morning off. Looking back now, these worship sessions were fundamental in teaching me that I must prepare and be prepared for worship, I must move my focus from me and to God, and God meets me where I am…just like I am…all the time.
Sisters and brothers, we are blessed to celebrate, honor, and adore our God who is so good to us in worship. In our lives, we get the privilege of being empowered by the Holy Spirit. Our God who loves us deserves all our glory, honor, and praise. Let not apathy rob us of worship that is pleasing to God. Let not apathy rob us of the joy that comes from the Lord. And let not apathy rob us form truly entering and dwelling in the heart and presence of our good, good God!!
God bless you all!
Love in Christ,
Pastor Hank (Malachi 1:11)