Malachi 3:1-12

The arbitration continues between the LORD and his people, with Malachi as the go-between.  It is now the LORD’s turn to voice his complaints and hear the people’s response.  But before the Lord voices a complaint, he expresses his desire to see reconciliation. To that end, he plans to send his messenger, who will refine and purify – particularly the priesthood and the temple.  The New Testament identifies this messenger as John the Baptist (Matt. 11:10-11).

The LORD’s complaint he voices in this formal dispute is that the people have turned aside from his statutes and have not kept them, thus nullifying the covenant.  He pleads with them to return to the covenant, and to him.  The people ask how they should return. God says that they have been robbing him.  They ask “how have we robbed you?”  The LORD’s reply: “in your tithes and contributions.”  The LORD does not need the offerings, but the people need to give them because giving declares the relationship.  Refusal to give declares that the relationship is unimportant or severed.

LORD, make us cheerful givers, because we have a relationship with you, and because the world is watching to see if we put our money where our mouth is.