Today, we look at another
confusing verse in Malachi 1:6a. Read the verses below and ask yourself what in
the world is the bible talking about slavery for? Don’t panic I have a
commentary that follows the verses that I hope will clarify some of the
questions that might come up.
Malachi 1:6a
The
last Old Testament prophet, Malachi faced a nation that had grown indifferent
toward God. He preached to stir their hearts, to turn them from apathy and
renew their commitment to the Lord.
6 “A son honors his father, and a slave his master. If
I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the
respect due me?” says the Lord
Almighty.
These verses
have been used completely out of context or their intent to somehow justify
slavery in some situations today regarding slavery. That is nonsense! This has
nothing to do with endorsing slavery, etc. This is strictly being used as an
example of a lifestyle choice of obedience.
So what is this
implying about obedience ? Well, think of the verses as an examples. A slave obeys
his master. Secondly, the example of us being children and God being a Father
is used. Both are word pictures of our relationship with God. Essentially the
passage is implying a key to relationship with God is understanding he is in
charge and we are not!
If one looks
back to verse 2 one sees God’s reminder that he “loves” us. Now in these verses
he is clarifying that love of us does not make us in charge. A father loves his
son, but the father is the authority. I am not too certain about a slave master
loving his slaves, but I am sure the concept of who is in charge comes through.
Malachi is a message from God and though the book will proceed with many other examples
of obedience and love these two point are the trust of the book. God loves us
and us obeying him is the second key to the book of Malachi.
Sometimes if our
modern world the only time we feel inspired by God’s word is when we read
something like “God’s blessing” or a “miracle,” etc. However, God says one way
we show love is by obeying him. In other words, these two concepts of God
loving us and us obeying him clarify our roles, but also confirm our love of
God.
How much do you
love God today? Are you willing to obey him in every instance? Could you make
your act of worship of God today be your obeying him?
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