Lukewarm Love: A Journey through Malachi 1:1-5
Big Idea:
The first step out of a lukewarm relationship is honesty, acknowledging our doubts and seeking God's truth.
As we embark on a nine-week journey through the Book of Malachi, let's take a moment to reflect on what we know about this book. Often, it is simply recognized as the last book of the Old Testament. Some might even humorously mispronounce. Others may recall a few popular verses, such as Malachi 3:6: "For I am the Lord, I do not change."
Please read Malachi 1 - Malachi 1 NKJV - Bible Gateway
Revelation 3:15-16: "I know your works, that you are neither cold nor hot. I wish you were cold or hot. So then, because you are lukewarm, and neither cold nor hot, I will spit you out of My mouth."
Hot, Cold, or Lukewarm?
Why would God express a preference for us to be either hot or cold, rather than lukewarm? From a human perspective, lukewarm seems preferable to cold. At least lukewarm indicates some degree of engagement. However, in God's kingdom, lukewarm is the least desirable state. This can be perplexing, but it fundamentally relates to the nature of our relationship with God.
In John 15:15, Jesus shifts the paradigm from servitude to friendship: "I no longer call you slaves, but friends." True friendship is built not only on love but also on honesty. We can love someone deeply yet not trust them, but our closest friendships are marked by a profound level of trust and honesty. A lack of honesty turns a relationship lukewarm, making it repugnant to God.
Malachi's Mission
God sent Malachi to address Israel's lukewarm relationship with Him. Despite external successes—rebuilding the walls under Nehemiah, revival under Ezra, and a fully operational temple—Israel's relationship with God was lukewarm. They were unaware of their lukewarmness, content with the status quo. God, however, desires growth, and lukewarmness stunts growth by fostering complacency.
Malachi's task was to expose the dishonesty in Israel's relationship with God, particularly among the priests. After Malachi, God remained silent for 400 years. Malachi's message was crucial—a call to honesty in the relationship with God.
Malachi uses a structured approach to expose this dishonesty, starting and ending with themes of love and hope, punctuated by probing questions. He identifies seven areas where Israel was dishonest with God:
Denying God their best
Denying equal application of the law
Denying God's authority
Denying God's justice
Denying their unfaithfulness
Stealing from God
Serving God for personal gain
A Bookend of Love
Malachi begins by emphasizing God's love. Despite Israel's dishonesty, God declares His love for them. This is not just an abstract concept; God's love is demonstrated and devoted.
God Declares His Love
In verse 2, Malachi starts with God's declaration: "I have loved you." This affirmation is foundational. God chose Israel out of love, evident in their deliverance from Egypt and their exclusive relationship with the Creator.
God Demonstrates His Love
Malachi recounts God's demonstration of love through His choice of Jacob over Esau. This choice wasn't based on human merit but on God's sovereign will. Romans 9:10-12 underscores this point: "Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated." God's love is an act of grace, not based on our works.
Deuteronomy 7:6-8 elaborates on this: "The Lord did not set His love on you nor choose you because you were more in number than any other people, for you were the least of all peoples; but because the Lord loves you."
God Devotes His Love
Verses 3-5 highlight God's devotion. He rejects Edom, symbolizing His unwavering commitment to Israel. Edom's pride and violence led to their destruction, serving as a stark contrast to God's enduring love for Israel. This historical fulfillment of prophecy underscores God's serious devotion to His people.
Application for Today
As we reflect on Malachi's message, we must remember that God loves us deeply. This is especially poignant as we consider the entirety of God’s word, including what comes after Malachi. The New Testament demonstrates God's immense love for us through Jesus Christ. John 3:16 reminds us: "For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him should not perish but have everlasting life."
Yet, many may struggle to see God's love in their lives, questioning His presence in their financial struggles, health issues, relationships, and even their church community. This questioning indicates a potential lukewarmness in our faith—a lukewarmness that God despises.
Conclusion
If you find yourself questioning God's love, it might be a sign of lukewarm faith. We must confront this honestly and remember God's grace and mercies. The first step out of a lukewarm relationship is honesty, acknowledging our doubts and seeking God's truth.
Malachi's message is a call to honesty and repentance. As we journey through this book, let's start with the assurance of God's love. Let us not fall into complacency but strive for a vibrant, honest relationship with Him.
Small Group Questions
Understanding Lukewarmness: Reflect on Revelation 3:15-16. Why does God prefer us to be either hot or cold rather than lukewarm? How does this perspective challenge our usual understanding of spiritual engagement?
Friendship with God: In John 15:15, Jesus calls us friends. How does this shift from servitude to friendship impact our relationship with God? Discuss the role of honesty in this friendship.
Malachi's Mission: What was the state of Israel's relationship with God during Malachi's time? How did their external successes mask their internal lukewarmness?
God's Love: In Malachi 1:2, God declares His love for Israel. How does this declaration resonate with your personal experience of God's love? Share moments when you felt God's love despite challenging circumstances.
God's Demonstration of Love: Malachi reminds Israel of God's choice of Jacob over Esau. How does understanding God's sovereign choice and grace affect your view of His love and our response to Him?
Reflecting on Honesty: Discuss how honesty is essential in our relationship with God. How can we identify and address areas of dishonesty or complacency in our faith?
Applying Malachi's Message: In what ways can we, as a church and individuals, ensure that our relationship with God remains vibrant and honest? What practical steps can we take to avoid becoming lukewarm in our faith?
If you want to learn more about developing a hot—not lukewarm—love for God, Shepherd Thoughts exists to help you live out your faith. If you or a friend needs support or resources to love God and love others more, please reach out to us today. We’d love to help.
