Monday, November 25, 2024
The Blessing of Obedience
Test me in this way, says the Lord of Armies. See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your land and your vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit, says the Lord of Armies. Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of Armies. Malachi 3:10b-12
Last week we learned about how the Israelites were in a spiritual drought, not hearing from God which was due to their sinful behavior. In our passage today, God has given them three promises they will receive if they follow Him.
Yesterday Pastor Jim gave us three promises that God gave the Israelites if they would bring the full tithe.
God will bless those who give. God told the Israelites that He would bless them. That promise holds true for us today. But remember - blessed in God’s terms may look different than what you think blessed looks like. - See if I will not open the floodgates of heaven and pour out a blessing for you without measure. V 10b
God will protect those who give. God promised protection over the Israelites. He goes before us behind us and beside us. He surrounds us with His love and protection. -I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not ruin the produce of your land and your vine in your field will not fail to produce fruit, says the Lord of Armies. V 11
God will exalt those who give. As a result of obedience, God will exalt us , Then all the nations will consider you fortunate, for you will be a delightful land, says the Lord of Armies v 12
What are the benefits or the rewards of faithful obedience to God through generous giving? We know God promises blessings, protection, and to exalt us but what does that mean?
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. James 1:17
God is faithful whether we are or not, but when we walk in obedience to His commands, we see His faithfulness manifest in our lives. If we walk the Jesus way, in a transformed life, stepping where the Spirit steps, we will see His blessings in our lives. That doesn’t mean all will always be perfect and we will have no trials and hardships. It also does not mean that we should do what the Bible says so we can have blessings, and God will make us rich. Then we are doing it for ourselves. Obedience is always for our good and for His glory. The true blessing of obedience reaches far wider and deeper than any storehouse that God fill up or material possessions we can accumulate.
The greatest benefit and reward of faithful obedience to God in anything is the joy that comes from being obedient to Him and knowing that you are doing what He commands us to do. Nothing brings more true joy to our lives than living fully surrendered and obedient to Him. But God promises us other benefits of our obedience in tithing as He has commanded us to do.
