Ezra 5:1-17; Daniel 6:1-28; Revelation 2:1-17
Have we not all one Father? Has not one God created us? Why do we deal treacherously with one another by profaning the covenant of the fathers? Malachi 2:10, NKJV
The prophet asks three questions to reveal Judah’s unfaithfulness to Jehovah and each other. The first two questions were to be answered in the affirmative, but the third question was designed to prompt self-reflection and a reasonable decision. Malachi tells them that because they had neglected the Lord, their relationships with each other and family members were suffering. It is foolish to dishonour the Lord for it affects all our relationships, diminishes our quality of life, and results in God’s chastening. —W. A. H.
How awful is Thy chastening rod! May Thy own children say:
The great, the wise, the dreadful God! How holy is His way! —I. Watts