Dial Daily Bread

Dear Friends of "Dial Daily Bread":

The prophet Malachi was as much inspired by the Holy Spirit in his little four chapters as the prolific prophets, as Isaiah, Jeremiah, or Ezekiel. His burden was family “heart”—pure and holy love of one true man for one true woman. Twice in 2:2 he rebukes the priests for their hardness of heart, their resistance of holy love; they do not “lay it to heart.” In 2:14-16 he rebukes them for marital infidelity, the heart-corruption that underlies adultery: “The LORD has been witness between you and the wife of your youth, with whom you have dealt treacherously. Yet she is your companion, and your wife by covenant..... Take heed to your spirit, and let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.”

 

He is not talking about multiple love affairs in youth, like bees sampling all the flowers. One torrid “relationship” after another is not the “love which we receive from Jesus.” The love of a pure man for one woman in youth is so intense that it is impossible for him to even think of adultery (or fornication!), or to be unfaithful; no other woman in all the world can entice him. The “love which we receive from Jesus” is so strong, says the Song of Solomon, that impurity or infidelity is impossible. “Close your heart to every love but mine; hold no one in your arms but me” (8:6, GNB). For the one who appreciates the love of Christ, the seventh commandment has become a promise—your love is locked in by the much more abounding grace of Christ. You simply cannot crucify Christ afresh; His love (agape) has constrained you to live “henceforth” unto Him who died for you and rose again (2 Cor. 5:14, 15). If you walk with the Spirit, you cannot do the evil things that your sinful nature would prompt you to do (Gal. 5:15-17).

 

Malachi’s concern for “heart” purity is seen again in his idea of what “Elijah” will do—”turn the hearts” of fathers and children (4:5, 6). That never-ending blessing through the decades is wrapped up in the first, pure love of “youth”! Malachi says God intends it to last forever.

Be sure to check your e-mail for "Dial Daily Bread" again tomorrow.

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Robert J. Wieland's inspirational "Dial Daily Bread" phone message is available via e-mail to anyone who wishes to receive a daily portion of uplifting Good News. "Dial Daily Bread" is FREE. Due to travel or other circumstances, there may be intervals when "Dial Daily Bread" will not be sent.