Key Learnings from Wednesdays
March 2025
Middle of the Week Bible Study
As the final book of the Old Testament closes, the pronouncement of God’s justice and the promise of His restoration through the coming Messiah is ringing in the ears of the Israelites. Four hundred years of silence ensues, ending with a similar message from God’s next prophet, John the Baptist, proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is at hand.” (Matthew 3:2).
⁃ Jacob I loved but Esau I have hated
• Reminder of God’s promises toward Israel
• Don’t be spiteful toward’s Gods promises
• Promises are not an entitlement
⁃ Stewardship Issues: Listen to God, Trust in God, Understand all is God’s.
⁃ Dispute #1
• God: I still love you.
• People: Really? How have you shown us your love?
• God: Through you the promises will be fulfilled
⁃ Dispute #2
• God: You disrespect Me.
• People: What? How are we doing that?
• God: You do not give your best; you aren’t faithful
⁃ God loves us and ultimately He shows us that love in Christ Jesus
⁃ God desires steadfast love and not sacrifice
⁃ Will of God: Name Kept Holy; Word Taught Correctly; Sinners brought to faith; Lead godly lives.
• Malachi: none of which have been done because of faithlessness
⁃ Covenant of Levi - Covenant of life and Peace (Malachi 2:5; Numbers 25:12)
• Priestly class - who are themselves faithless and are leading the flock astray
• Different from the Priesthood of all believers
• Christ is the high priest in the order of Melchizedek and fulfilled the covenant of life and peace ours by grace through faith
⁃ Faithlessness is dung on your face
• It’s embarrassing; messy
• Rubbing your face in it
⁃ Marriage an allegory for faithfulness; Divorce/Adultery an allegory for faithlessness
⁃ Dispute #3
• God: My Church and my people have not been faithful
• People: We are doing religious stuff.
• God: I desire faithfulness over rote adherence to rituals
⁃ Dispute #4
• People: You’ve Neglected us! Where is Justice?; Evil has been rewarded
• God: You have left justice; You do not have the power to change; I will purify you.
⁃ God is both the fire and the agent to draw out impurities (a.k.a Jesus)
⁃ Dispute #5
• God: Turn back to me
• People: How?
⁃ Dispute #6
• People: God does nothing
• God: Remember my character & promises
⁃ Jesus comes not for judgement but for healing. We do not need an impartial judge because we are guilty.
⁃ John the Baptist as Elijah the prophet
• Each of the Gospel writers make the connection via their introductions
• Jesus connects John with Elijah (Matthew 11:13-14)
• John said he was not Elijah (John 1:25)