Turn to Malachi 1:2-5
As we study these verses together there are a couple of powerful statements being made. First of all, we can’t forget that it all starts with the Love of the Lord toward His people. However, do you see the question right after the awesome statement, “I have loved you saith the Lord?” The prophet speaks not only the words of the Lord but also the thoughts from the people. “Wherein hast thou loved us?” There seems to be a question surrounding the integrity of God in the midst of adversity. If we are truly honest with ourselves before Holy God, we would do well to realize that there are moments, no matter how fleeting, where we struggle with the reality of His love for us. Can you remember a time like that in your life? Please don’t allow pride to slip in to think you have never pondered the depth of His love in the difficult periods of your life. I have come to understand that questioning love has more to do with something deeper than we might think. You see, when we wonder about the love of someone we are really questioning their commitment toward us. God goes on through His prophet to contrast just how wonderful and amazing God-centered, committed, love truly is. He states to the hearers that He will always be committed to those who respond to Him and that He will operate intentionally against those that are against Him! The point to all of this is that if you are truly one of His blood-bought, born again believers then you are His child. He is not going to leave you nor forsake you. But let me contrast this with the picture of feeling like at every turn you keep getting forced backwards in your life. If you are a true believer theses setbacks may be the result of the struggle for God to see your loving commitment toward Him. Or these moments could be coming as a direct result of not really “knowing” Him to love Him in your heart and life. Do you love me? He shouts from the portals of Glory! If you do love Him it will show through acts of obedience that serve to magnify His glorious name. All my love, Pastor Dwayne