Scripture of the Day:
7 ¶ Even from the days of your afathers ye are gone away from mine bordinances, and have not kept them. cReturn unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the Lord of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return?
9 Ye are acursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me, even this whole nation.
Historical Background:
Here is some background on Malachi from the Bible Dictionary-
The prophecy of Malachi was spoken about 430 B.C. The first part (Mal. 1: 1 - 2: 9) is addressed to the priesthood, reproving them for their neglect of service to God. The second part (Mal. 2: 10 - 4: 6) is addressed to the people, speaking against marriage outside the covenant, divorces from wives within the covenant, and neglect of tithe paying, and reproving the general spirit of discontent. The faithful are encouraged to remain so, with the assurance that the Lord is mindful of them, and the disobedient shall fail in the day of the Lord’s coming. Notable passages are Mal. 3: 1, which is quoted in Matt. 11: 10 as having reference to John the Baptist; Mal. 3: 7-12, an exposition of the law of tithing; Mal. 4: 1, which speaks of the second coming of the Lord; and Mal. 4: 5-6, which deals with the return of Elijah (cited also in D&C 2; D&C 128: 17; JS-H 1: 37-39). All of Mal. 3 and 4 was quoted by the Savior to the Nephites, as recorded in 3 Ne. 24 and 25.
And more from the Guide to the Scriptures on Malachi-
An Old Testament prophet who wrote and prophesied at approximately 430 B.C.
The book of Malachi: The book or prophecy of Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. It seems to follow four major themes:1 the sins of Israel—Malachi 1: 6-2: 17; Malachi 3: 8-9;2 the judgments to come upon Israel because of their disobedience—Malachi 1: 14; 2: 2-3, 12; 3: 5;3 the promises for obedience—Malachi 3: 10-12, 16-18; 4: 2-3; and4 prophecies pertaining to Israel—Malachi 3: 1-5; 4: 1, 5-6 (D&C 2; 128: 17; JS-H 1: 37-39).
In his prophecy, Malachi wrote of John the Baptist (Mal. 3: 1; Matt. 11: 10), the law of tithing (Mal. 3: 7-12), the second coming of the Lord (Mal. 4: 5), and the return of Elijah (Mal. 4: 5-6; D&C 2;128: 17; JS-H 1: 37-39). The Savior quoted all of Malachi chapters 3 and 4 to the Nephites (3 Ne. 24-25).
Gospel Principles Outlined:
1) Obedience to God's commandments is critical to our development here on earth.
2) Tithing allows us to "return" to our Father in Heaven.
3) There are great spiritual and temporal blessings that come from tithing obedience.
4) One of the purposes of tithing is so that the Lord's kingdom has sufficient to serve people.
5) Obedience will always lead to promised blessings. We can prove God in that.
What I Learned Today:
I was especially interested in the process of returning unto God that Malachi outlines here. One of the "easiest" ways for us to show our obedience to God is by paying tithes and offerings. It is interesting that when the Lord asks the people of Malachi to "return", he tells them to do it through tithes and offerings. We all can continually return to the Lord as we improve the ways that we give of our means to building up the kingdom of God.
Additional Resources-
Things I Will Implement:
I have recently been developing goals to improve the ways that I give within the Church as well as in my personal stewardship. I think it would be wise to establish a personal plan regarding my offerings so that I can more perfectly "return" to my Father in Heaven.
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