OUR FATHER IS GLORIFIED WHEN THE SON IS ACKNOWLEDGED AS LORD OF ALL

The Apostle Paulˋs letter to the Phillippians in chapter 2 verses 1 - 11 says this;

1 Therefore if there is any consolation in Christ, if any comfort of love, if any fellowship of the Spirit, if any affection and mercy, 2 fulfill my joy by being like-minded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. 3 Let nothing be done through selfish ambition or conceit, but in lowliness of mind let each esteem others better than himself. 4 Let each of you look out not only for his own interests, but also for the interests of others.

Paul encouraged to the believers in Phillippi to be like-minded in the unity of love and purpose because they were themselves beneficiaries of consolation and comfort in Christ, love and fellowship and affection and mercy. 

Paul presses the Phillippians to be utterly humble in their minds so that they would not harbor selfish ambitions or conceit. Paul tells them to esteem others to be more valuable than themselves and concern themselves with the interests of others as they do their own.

5 Let this mind be in you which was also in Christ Jesus, 6 who, being in the form of God, did not consider it robbery to be equal with God, 7 but made Himself of no reputation, taking the form of a bondservant, and coming in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself and became obedient to the point of death, even the death of the cross. 9 Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name, 10 that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of those in heaven, and of those on earth, and of those under the earth, 11 and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.

Continuing with his counsel to the Phillippians, Paul reminds them of the example set by the Lord Jesus Christ Himself who, even though was God, relinquished His privileges as God and reduced Himself to a mere man of no rank among men and then humbled Himself even further by being obedient to the point of even allowing Himself to be subjected to the ignominious and agonizing death on a Roman cross.

From this obedient descent of Jesus Christ, God the Father highly exalted Him and give him a rank higher than any rank in existence so that every being in heaven, on earth and below the earth would bow to Him and confess or admit that Jesus Christ is Lord.

Amen

8

OUR FATHER WHOSE SON SUFFERED DEARLY FOR US 

Continuing his letter to the Phillippians in Chapter 1 verses 12 - 30, the Apostle Paul tells of the counter-intuitive effect that his being in chains had had on the furtherance of the gospel and even on the guards who held him in captivity. Instead of his captivity making people more fearful, they became more bold in proclaiming the gospel to the people in the city.

In fact, Paul documents, preaching the gospel gained so much cache that some people were preaching the gospel out of envy and selfish ambition to keep with the times and be seen to be following the trends while other were doing so out of sincerity and goodwill and love to identify with Paul and stand in solidarity with him while he was imprisoned.

For either motivation of envy or love, the apostle Paul was content that the gospel was preached for the power of God is carried in the message of the gospel itself independent of the motives of the messenger.

12 But I want you to know, brethren, that the things which happened to me have actually turned out for the furtherance of the gospel, 13 so that it has become evident to the whole palace guard, and to all the rest, that my chains are in Christ; 14 and most of the brethren in the Lord, having become confident by my chains, are much more bold to speak the word without fear.

15 Some indeed preach Christ even from envy and strife, and some also from goodwill: 16 The former preach Christ from selfish ambition, not sincerely, supposing to add affliction to my chains; 17 but the latter out of love, knowing that I am appointed for the defense of the gospel. 18 What then? Only that in every way, whether in pretense or in truth, Christ is preached; and in this I rejoice, yes, and will rejoice.

19 For I know that this will turn out for my deliverance through your prayer and the supply of the Spirit of Jesus Christ, 20 according to my earnest expectation and hope that in nothing I shall be ashamed, but with all boldness, as always, so now also Christ will be magnified in my body, whether by life or by death. 21 For to me, to live is Christ, and to die is gain. 22 But if I live on in the flesh, this will mean fruit from my labor; yet what I shall choose I cannot tell. 23 For I am hard-pressed between the two, having a desire to depart and be with Christ, which is far better. 24 Nevertheless to remain in the flesh is more needful for you. 25 And being confident of this, I know that I shall remain and continue with you all for your progress and joy of faith, 26 that your rejoicing for me may be more abundant in Jesus Christ by my coming to you again.

Even in the captivity he endured, Paul writes of his hopes that the prayers of the believers in Phillipi and the supply of the Lord Jesus would propel him in boldness as he submitted his body for the magnification of the Lord Jesus Christ through his labor.

In his condition, Paul is ambivalent about whether he wanted to live or to die because to him, going to be with Christ was highly desireable but on the other hand, remaining to serve his beloved brothers and sisters in Christ was still needful.

27 Only let your conduct be worthy of the gospel of Christ, so that whether I come and see you or am absent, I may hear of your affairs, that you stand fast in one spirit, with one mind striving together for the faith of the gospel, 28 and not in any way terrified by your adversaries, which is to them a proof of perdition, but to you of salvation, and that from God. 29 For to you it has been granted on behalf of Christ, not only to believe in Him, but also to suffer for His sake, 30 having the same conflict which you saw in me and now hear is in me.

Paul encourages the Phillippians that whether he was there or not, they should persist in unity in the spirit and together working dilligently in the service of the gospel. He instructed them not to be terrified by those who opposed them (which was proof of the condemnation of their adversaries) but conversely, was proof of their salvation for the Phillippians were, as Paul recorded, among those who were blessed to not only believe in Christ but also to suffer on his behalf as as they saw in the life of Paul.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHO OFFERS GRACE AND PEACE THROUGH THE LORD JESUS CHRIST

The Apostle Paul, writing to the believers in the city of Phillipi, starts of with an introduction of himself as a bondservant along with his protege Timothy.

He then warmly greets the Phillippians with grace and peace from God the Father and from Jesus Christ. Paul tells them of his gratitude to God when he remembers them every time he prayed for them and he recalled how they started in the fellowship in the gospel from the very beginning with confidence that what Jesus began in them He would surely complete it until the great day of the Lord.

The Apostle declared that his delight in them was valid because they were a sign that the bondage he had been placed in was not in vain.

Paul prays that the Phillippians would grow in love as well as in knowledge and disernment so that they would only accept things of excellence and be sincere and filled with the fruits of righteousness.

Phillippians chapter 1 verses 1 - 11 reads this way;

1 Paul and Timothy, bondservants of Jesus Christ, To all the saints in Christ Jesus who are in Philippi, with the bishops and deacons:

2 Grace to you and peace from God our Father and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 I thank my God upon every remembrance of you, 4 always in every prayer of mine making request for you all with joy, 5 for your fellowship in the gospel from the first day until now, 6 being confident of this very thing, that He who has begun a good work in you will complete it until the day of Jesus Christ; 7 just as it is right for me to think this of you all, because I have you in my heart, inasmuch as both in my chains and in the defense and confirmation of the gospel, you all are partakers with me of grace. 8 For God is my witness, how greatly I long for you all with the affection of Jesus Christ.

9 And this I pray, that your love may abound still more and more in knowledge and all discernment, 10 that you may approve the things that are excellent, that you may be sincere and without offense till the day of Christ, 11 being filled with the fruits of righteousness which are by Jesus Christ, to the glory and praise of God.

Amen.

6

OUR FATHER WHO OPENS DOORS OF OPPORTUNITY FOR HIS SERVANTS

Colossians chapter 4 concludes the Apostle Paulˋs letter to the believers at Colossae. chapter contains the last bit of exhortation that Paul has for masters regarding their conduct towards their servants.

Paul then encourages the Colossians to be vigilant in prayer and to be grateful. He asks them to pray for Him and those with him who were preaching the gospel which is the great mystery of Christ among those who were opposing their efforts and had imprisoned them. He asked for prayers that they might be guided to correctly speak of such things even though there was a threat towards them for doing so.

Regarding the people outside their fellowship, Paul advises the Colossians to walk in wisdom such that the time is redeemed so that opportunities to introduce people to the kingdom of God through the Lord Jesus are always taken and that they always speak words of grace and be salient in a way that evoques genuine interest.

1 Masters, give your bondservants what is just and fair, knowing that you also have a Master in heaven.

2 Continue earnestly in prayer, being vigilant in it with thanksgiving; 3 meanwhile praying also for us, that God would open to us a door for the word, to speak the mystery of Christ, for which I am also in chains, 4 that I may make it manifest, as I ought to speak.

5 Walk in wisdom toward those who are outside, redeeming the time. 6 Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned with salt, that you may know how you ought to answer each one.

7 Tychicus, a beloved brother, faithful minister, and fellow servant in the Lord, will tell you all the news about me. 8 I am sending him to you for this very purpose, that he may know your circumstances and comfort your hearts, 9 with Onesimus, a faithful and beloved brother, who is one of you. They will make known to you all things which are happening here.

10 Aristarchus my fellow prisoner greets you, with Mark the cousin of Barnabas (about whom you received instructions: if he comes to you, welcome him), 11 and Jesus who is called Justus. These are my only fellow workers for the kingdom of God who are of the circumcision; they have proved to be a comfort to me.

12 Epaphras, who is one of you, a bondservant of Christ, greets you, always laboring fervently for you in prayers, that you may stand perfect and complete in all the will of God. 13 For I bear him witness that he has a great zeal for you, and those who are in Laodicea, and those in Hierapolis. 14 Luke the beloved physician and Demas greet you. 15 Greet the brethren who are in Laodicea, and Nymphas and the church that is in his house.

16 Now when this epistle is read among you, see that it is read also in the church of the Laodiceans, and that you likewise read the epistle from Laodicea. 17 And say to Archippus, “Take heed to the ministry which you have received in the Lord, that you may fulfill it.”

18 This salutation by my own hand—Paul. Remember my chains. Grace be with you. Amen.

Paul lists vaious people who were partakers of the ministry and he encourages some and  exhorts others to fulfil their ministry.

• Tychicus - Fellow bondservant to Paul and entrusted with the news of Paul 
• Onesimus - Faithful and belowved brother
• Aristarchus - Paulˋs fellow prisoner (Jewish)
• Mark - Paulˋs fellow worker (Jewish)
• Jesus - Known as Justus who was also Paulˋs fellow worker (Jewish)
• Epaphras - Paulˋs fellow worker from Colossae
• Luke - The beloved Apostle who passes greetings to the Colossians and Laodecians
• Demas - Passes greetings to the Colossians and Laodecians
• Nymphus - House church leader to whom greetings are sent
• Archippus - A message passed to him to pay attention to the ministry he was given

Paul instructs the Colossians to take his letter to the Laodecians and read it to them and that they should read the letter that he wrote to the Laodecians. 

Amen.

51

OUR FATHER TO WHOM WE GIVE THANKS THROUGH THE LORD JESUS

Continuing with the last portion of Colosians chapter 3 (verses 12 - 25), the Apostle Paul outlines the expected conduct of those who are elected of God and live by His Spirit. In this pasasage, Paul contrasts the list of boorish inclinations of the old man (that he had listed in the beginning of chapter 3), with the list of attributes of a  loving community.

12 Therefore, as the elect of God, holy and beloved, put on tender mercies, kindness, humility, meekness, longsuffering; 13 bearing with one another, and forgiving one another, if anyone has a complaint against another; even as Christ forgave you, so you also must do. 14 But above all these things put on love, which is the bond of perfection. 15 And let the peace of God rule in your hearts, to which also you were called in one body; and be thankful. 16 Let the word of Christ dwell in you richly in all wisdom, teaching and admonishing one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing with grace in your hearts to the Lord. 17 And whatever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to God the Father through Him.

Paul calls on the brothers and sisters in Christ to establish a bond of perfection among themselves which is their love for one another and He counsels them to gratefully remain richly indwelled by the word of Christ by submitting to wisdom, teachings, and admonitions that are delivered by psalms, hymns and spiritual songs sung with grace in their hearts. Paul also advises that whatever they do, they do in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ all the while giving thanks to God the Father through Jesus. 

The Apostle Paul then pivots to the expected conduct of believers within housholds where wives and husbands and children and servants are given counsel on living before God as they live and work together..

18 Wives, submit to your own husbands, as is fitting in the Lord.

19 Husbands, love your wives and do not be bitter toward them.

20 Children, obey your parents in all things, for this is well pleasing to the Lord.

21 Fathers, do not provoke your children, lest they become discouraged.

22 Bondservants, obey in all things your masters according to the flesh, not with eyeservice, as men-pleasers, but in sincerity of heart, fearing God. 23 And whatever you do, do it heartily, as to the Lord and not to men, 24 knowing that from the Lord you will receive the reward of the inheritance; for you serve the Lord Christ. 25 But he who does wrong will be repaid for what he has done, and there is no partiality.

Amen.

8

OUR FATHER WHO GAVE US THE GIFT OF HIS SON TO FREE US FROM THE LAW OF SIN AND DEATH

In the book of Colossians chapter 2 verses 11 - 23, the Apostle Paul explains the new paradigm of the kingdom of God where the strictures of the law that governed and judged Israel were only shadows of the law of love that govern those who are part of the family of faith.

Whereas the law instructed us of our sinfull nture, once we were dead with Christ and risen with Him, we are no longer in need of an instructer of our sinfulness but rather in need of a living and active connection with the head of the body who is the risen Christ who triumphed over the entire hierachy of the kingdom of darkness. 

Because our old worldly nature was nailed to the cross and we are risen with Christ and not of this world, we are no longer in need of the laws and traditions that govern men according to the principles and requirements of this world.

Rather, having been translated to the kingdom of our Lord, we are in need of the life of Christ from which we are nourished and rightly guided in the ways of the Spirit.

The trappings and advantages gained in the world through hypocrisy, vanity and idol worship are no longer applicable to those who live in Christ and have held fast to Him.

Having gained freedom from imposition of the law, it is pointless to adhere to its strictures and it certainly has no power to keep us from the indulgences of the flesh.

11 In Him you were also circumcised with the circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of the sins of the flesh, by the circumcision of Christ, 12 buried with Him in baptism, in which you also were raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, being dead in your trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, He has made alive together with Him, having forgiven you all trespasses, 14 having wiped out the handwriting of requirements that was against us, which was contrary to us. And He has taken it out of the way, having nailed it to the cross. 15 Having disarmed principalities and powers, He made a public spectacle of them, triumphing over them in it.

16 So let no one judge you in food or in drink, or regarding a festival or a new moon or sabbaths, 17 which are a shadow of things to come, but the substance is of Christ. 18 Let no one cheat you of your reward, taking delight in false humility and worship of angels, intruding into those things which he has not seen, vainly puffed up by his fleshly mind, 19 and not holding fast to the Head, from whom all the body, nourished and knit together by joints and ligaments, grows with the increase that is from God.

20 Therefore, if you died with Christ from the basic principles of the world, why, as though living in the world, do you subject yourselves to regulations— 21 “Do not touch, do not taste, do not handle,” 22 which all concern things which perish with the using—according to the commandments and doctrines of men? 23 These things indeed have an appearance of wisdom in self-imposed religion, false humility, and neglect of the body, but are of no value against the indulgence of the flesh.

Amen.

12

OUR FATHER WHOSE SON JESUS IS NOW INDWELT BY ALL THE FULNESS OF THE GODHEAD

In the book of Colossians chapter 2 verses 1 - 10, Paul wanted the Colossions to know that he continued to endure great conflicts on their behalf and on the behalf of the Laodiceans and many other and as such, they should be united in love and always reaching towards the riches that come from being fully assured of the knowledge of the God where all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge are hidden in both the Father and in the Lord Jesus Christ.

Paul assured the Collosians that even though he was not physically with them, he was with them in spirit and was thus privy to their good order and steadfastness.

1 For I want you to know what a great conflict I have for you and those in Laodicea, and for as many as have not seen my face in the flesh, 2 that their hearts may be encouraged, being knit together in love, and attaining to all riches of the full assurance of understanding, to the knowledge of the mystery of God, both of the Father and of Christ, 3 in whom are hidden all the treasures of wisdom and knowledge.

4 Now this I say lest anyone should deceive you with persuasive words. 5 For though I am absent in the flesh, yet I am with you in spirit, rejoicing to see your good order and the steadfastness of your faith in Christ.

6 As you therefore have received Christ Jesus the Lord, so walk in Him, 7 rooted and built up in Him and established in the faith, as you have been taught, abounding in it with thanksgiving.

8 Beware lest anyone cheat you through philosophy and empty deceit, according to the tradition of men, according to the basic principles of the world, and not according to Christ. 9 For in Him dwells all the fullness of the Godhead bodily; 10 and you are complete in Him, who is the head of all principality and power.

The apostle urges the Collosians to get rooted in the fundamentals of the faith such that intrusions of false philosophies and traditions of men would not catch them off-guard and divert them from the salvation that is only in Christ who is the ultimate truth and authority over all principalities and powers.

Amen

12

OUR FATHER WHO WAS PLEASED TO HAVE  ALL THINGS IN EXISTENCE DWELL IN HIS SON

We continue with Paulˋs letter to the Colossians in verses 19 - 29 where Paul expounds on the subject of the preeminence of the Lord Jesus Christ over all things in creation.

19 For it pleased the Father that in Him all the fullness should dwell, 20 and by Him to reconcile all things to Himself, by Him, whether things on earth or things in heaven, having made peace through the blood of His cross.

21 And you, who once were alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now He has reconciled 22 in the body of His flesh through death, to present you holy, and blameless, and above reproach in His sight— 23 if indeed you continue in the faith, grounded and steadfast, and are not moved away from the hope of the gospel which you heard, which was preached to every creature under heaven, of which I, Paul, became a minister.

The Father deliberately designed all things to fall under the perview of His Son and a primary part  of that design was that reconciliation was only possible through the blood He shed on the cross. Any who are brought into the family of God can only be redeemed by the one saviour Jesus Christ to be presented to the Father holy an beyond reproach.

24 I now rejoice in my sufferings for you, and fill up in my flesh what is lacking in the afflictions of Christ, for the sake of His body, which is the church, 25 of which I became a minister according to the stewardship from God which was given to me for you, to fulfill the word of God, 26 the mystery which has been hidden from ages and from generations, but now has been revealed to His saints. 27 To them God willed to make known what are the riches of the glory of this mystery among the Gentiles: which is Christ in you, the hope of glory. 28 Him we preach, warning every man and teaching every man in all wisdom, that we may present every man perfect in Christ Jesus. 29 To this end I also labor, striving according to His working which works in me mightily.

The Apostle Paul proclaimed that he rejoiced in the suffering in his body that were laid upon in His labour for the body of Christ as was given to him as a calling.

Paul describes this spiritual work as a mystery hidden from the ages and generations but has been now been revealed to the saints for through them, God willed to show the riches of of the glory of Christ to the gentiles and this glorius mystery is that Christ is given to be in all those who believed and are those eligible for the hope of glory where ultimately, every man may be presented perfect in Christ Jesus and it is towards this end that Paul incessantly worked as God worked through him mightily.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER TO WHOM WE GIVE THANKS

We revisit the apostle Paulˋs letter to the Colossians to gain further understanding of the book and glean insights into the state of the believers in Colossae and into the status of the the risen Christ and ascended Christ.

1 Paul, an apostle of Jesus Christ by the will of God, and Timothy our brother,

2 To the saints and faithful brethren in Christ who are in Colosse: Grace to you and peace from God our Father [a]and the Lord Jesus Christ.

3 We give thanks to the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, praying always for you, 4 since we heard of your faith in Christ Jesus and of your love for all the saints; 5 because of the hope which is laid up for you in heaven, of which you heard before in the word of the truth of the gospel, 6 which has come to you, as it has also in all the world, and is bringing forth fruit, as it is also among you since the day you heard and knew the grace of God in truth; 7 as you also learned from Epaphras, our dear fellow servant, who is a faithful minister of Christ on your behalf, 8 who also declared to us your love in the Spirit.

In his opening remarks, Paul establishes the progression of the believers in Colossae in faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and their growth in love and fruitfulness. Paul then mentions that they have continued to pray for the Colossians so that they may continue to to be filled with the  knowledge of the will of God in wisdom and spiritual understanding so that their continued walk in the Lord would be in alignment with purposes of God and the objectives of His kingdom.

9 For this reason we also, since the day we heard it, do not cease to pray for you, and to ask that you may be filled with the knowledge of His will in all wisdom and spiritual understanding; 10 that you may walk worthy of the Lord, fully pleasing Him, being fruitful in every good work and increasing in the knowledge of God; 11 strengthened with all might, according to His glorious power, for all patience and longsuffering with joy; 12 giving thanks to the Father who has qualified us to be partakers of the inheritance of the saints in the light. 13 He has delivered us from the power of darkness and conveyed us into the kingdom of the Son of His love, 14 in whom we have redemption through His blood, the forgiveness of sins.

15 He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. 16 For by Him all things were created that are in heaven and that are on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or principalities or powers. All things were created through Him and for Him. 17 And He is before all things, and in Him all things consist. 18 And He is the head of the body, the church, who is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in all things He may have the preeminence.

The apostle then reveals the exalted position of the Lord Jesus in whom they had believed.  The Father, having delivered us who believed  from  the power of darkness and translated us into the Kingdom of His dear Son, elevated the Lord Jesus to the pinnacle of preeminence over all creation (both visible and invisble) which was created through Him and by Him (Jesus) placing Him over all thrones and dominions and principalities and powers.

Such is the firstborn of creation who was from before all things and by whom all things in creation hold together and in this position, is preeminent over all things in all existence.

Amen

4

OUR FATHER SENT THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS TO RISE WITH HEALING IN HIS WINGS

The book of Malachi chapter 4 contains the astonishing finale of the whole book of Malachi and it reads this way;

1 “For behold, the day is coming, Burning like an oven, And all the proud, yes, all who do wickedly will be stubble. And the day which is coming shall burn them up,” Says the Lord of hosts, “That will leave them neither root nor branch.

2 But to you who fear My name The Sun of Righteousness shall arise With healing in His wings; And you shall go out And grow fat like stall-fed calves.

3 You shall trample the wicked, For they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet On the day that I do this,” Says the Lord of hosts.

4 “Remember the Law of Moses, My servant, Which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel, With the statutes and judgments.

5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord.

6 And he will turn The hearts of the fathers to the children, And the hearts of the children to their fathers, Lest I come and strike the earth with a curse.”

This final passge of the book of Malachi foretells of a day burning like an oven will arrive and all those who are arrogant and hypocritatically wicked in the land will be scorched by the fire.

However, those who retain their fear of God will encounter the ˋSun of Righteousnessˋ  who will appear among them doing miraculou healings and they shall grow fat off the words that He teaches them. And these shall trample the wicked under their feet.

In preparation for this day, the Lord will send Elijah the prophet to remind the people of the laws that Moses received at Mout Horeb. In response to Elijahˋs minstry, the hearst of the fathers will turn towards the children and hearts of the children  towards their fathers.  And if this response does not occur, the whole earth will be written-off and struck with a curse to which no saviour shall be sent.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO KNOWS THE SECRET WORDS AND HEARTHS OF MEN

The book of Malachi chapter 3 verses 13 - 18 says this;

13 “Your words have been harsh against Me,” Says the Lord, “Yet you say, ‘What have we spoken against You?’

14 You have said, ‘It is useless to serve God; What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, And that we have walked as mourners Before the Lord of hosts?

15 So now we call the proud blessed, For those who do wickedness are raised up; They even tempt God and go free.’ ”

16 Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, And the Lord listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the Lord And who meditate on His name.

17 “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him.”

18 Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him.

In this passage, the prophet Malachi  recorded the Lordˋs response to the attitude that His people had where they had concluded that serving God and heeding His word was not different from disregarding the things of God. Those who were righteous were not blessed while those who did wickedness went unpunished and the people concluded from this that they could do whatever they wanted.

But the Lord revealed through His prophet Malachi that in such times, He listens to conversations between people and when He heard them speaking of their fear of the Lord and their meditation on His name, He records their names and considers these people to be His gems and He spares them even as a man spares his own son who serves him. This differential between the people He treats as His jewels and those who disregarded the Lord results in the return of clarity between righteousness and wickedness.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO PROVIDES FOR HIS PEOPLE

The book of Malachi chapter 3 verses 8 - 12 says this;

8 “Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.

9 You are cursed with a curse, For you have robbed Me, Even this whole nation.

10 Bring all the tithes into the storehouse, That there may be food in My house, And try Me now in this,” Says the Lord of hosts, “If I will not open for you the windows of heaven And pour out for you such blessing That there will not be room enough to receive it.

11 “And I will rebuke the devourer for your sakes, So that he will not destroy the fruit of your ground, Nor shall the vine fail to bear fruit for you in the field,” Says the Lord of hosts;

12 “And all nations will call you blessed, For you will be a delightful land,” Says the Lord of hosts. 

The Lord sets a principle in place where those who live surrendered to him in such a way that they are used to support the kingdom of God, the Lord will open a channel of blessing on them that they wonˋt be able to contain it.

 Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHO SENT HIS SON INTO THE WORLD

The book of Malachi chapter 3 verses 1 -  7 says this;

1 “Behold, I send My messenger, And he will prepare the way before Me. And the Lord, whom you seek, Will suddenly come to His temple, Even the Messenger of the covenant, In whom you delight. Behold, He is coming,” says the Lord of hosts.

2 “But who can endure the day of His coming? And who can stand when He appears? For He is like a refiner’s fire And like launderers’ soap.

3 He will sit as a refiner and a purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi, And purge them as gold and silver, That they may offer to the Lord An offering in righteousness.

4 “Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem Will be [b]pleasant to the Lord, As in the days of old, As in former years.

5 And I will come near you for judgment; I will be a swift witness Against sorcerers, Against adulterers, Against perjurers, Against those who exploit wage earners and widows and orphans, And against those who turn away an alien—Because they do not fear Me,” Says the Lord of hosts.

6 “For I am the Lord, I do not change; Therefore you are not consumed, O sons of Jacob.

7 Yet from the days of your fathers You have gone away from My ordinances and have not kept them. Return to Me, and I will return to you,” Says the Lord of hosts. “But you said, ‘In what way shall we return?’

In this passage, the prophet Malachi foretells the advent of John the Baptist who would be sent to prepare the way of the Lord Himself and during that time, the Lord, for whom all the ages had waited and yearned for would suddenly appear in His temple. 

Malachi described the Lordˋs arrival as a time of purging and refining and that an offer would be made to the children of Israel to return to the Lord and if they did, He would return to them.  The question that would arise would be how to return to the Lord for whom they had offended by neglecting and even exploiting the weaker people.

Amen.

1

OUR FATHER WHO IS OUR CREATOR AND TO WHOM THE LOYALTY OF LOVE IS OWED

The book of Malachi chapter 2 verses 10 -  17 says this;

10 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?

11 Judah has dealt treacherously, And an abomination has been committed in Israel and in Jerusalem, For Judah has profaned The Lord’s holy institution which He loves: He has married the daughter of a foreign god.

12 May the Lord cut off from the tents of Jacob The man who does this, being awake and aware, Yet who brings an offering to the Lord of hosts!

13 And this is the second thing you do: You cover the altar of the Lord with tears, With weeping and crying; So He does not regard the offering anymore, Nor receive it with goodwill from your hands.

14 Yet you say, “For what reason?” Because 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.

15 But did He not make them one, Having a remnant of the Spirit? And why one? He seeks godly offspring. Therefore take heed to your spirit, And let none deal treacherously with the wife of his youth.

16 “For the Lord God of Israel says That He hates divorce, For it covers one’s garment with violence,” Says the Lord of hosts. “Therefore take heed to your spirit, That you do not deal treacherously.”

17 You have wearied the Lord with your words; Yet you say, “In what way have we wearied Him?” In that you say, “Everyone who does evil Is good in the sight of the Lord, And He delights in them,” Or, “Where is the God of justice?”

Through the prophet Malachi, the Lord God rebukes Judah for attending to another god whicle at the same time paying to the God of Israel.

In this rebuke, the institution of marriage is brought up as a model for the fealty that the spouses should have for one another. The commitment is permanent such that a man is not permitted to deal treacherously with his wife.  Similarly, the covenant between the Lord and Israel does not allow for Israel to pursue other gods.

This passage contains the famous phrase in verse 16 that is rendered, ˋThe Lord God of Israel say that He hates divorceˋ which has very different translations in different versions for example in one case it is was translated to say;  “The man who hates and divorces his wife,” says the Lord, the God of Israel, “does violence to the one he should protect,” says the Lord Almighty.

Amen.

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 OUR FATHER WHOSE PRIESTS MUST BE SINCERE AND HOLY

The book of Malachi chapter 2 verse 1 -  says this;

1 “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you.

2 If you will not hear, And if you will not take it to heart, To give glory to My name,”Says the Lord of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, And I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, Because you do not take it to heart.

3 “Behold, I will rebuke your descendants And spread refuse on your faces,The refuse of your solemn feasts; And one will take you away with it.

4 Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, That My covenant with Levi may continue,” Says the Lord of hosts.

5 “My covenant was with him, one of life and peace, And I gave them to him that he might fear Me; So he feared Me And was reverent before My name.

6 The law of truth was in his mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity.

7 “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And people should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts.

8 But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the Lord of hosts.

9 “Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base Before all the people, Because you have not kept My ways But have shown partiality in the law.”

The priests were to represent God to man and man to God but they had failed to glorify the name of the Lord and had earned the Lord's rebuke. They did not attend to the word of God and caused many to stumble 

In contrast, the priest with whom the Lord had covenant was just, peaceful and equitable and reverenced the Lord. 

He also knew the words of the law and people sought Him for He was the messenger of the Lord of Hosts and He rightly guided many people to righteousness.

The priests who neglected their calling would be abased while the priest who fulfilled His calling would be exalted.

Amen.

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OUR FATHER WHO IS WORTHY OF THE HIGHEST HONOR AND IS TO BE FEARED BY THE NATIONS

The book of Malachi chapter 1 verses 6 - 14 says this;

6 “A son honors his father, And a servant his master. If then I am the Father, Where is My honor? And if I am a Master, Where is My reverence? Says the Lord of hosts To you priests who despise My name. Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?’

7 “You offer defiled food on My altar, But say, ‘In what way have we defiled You?’ By saying, ‘The table of the Lord is contemptible.’

8 And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil? Offer it then to your governor! Would he be pleased with you?Would he accept you favorably?” Says the Lord of hosts.

9 “But now entreat God’s favor, That He may be gracious to us. While this is being done by your hands, Will He accept you favorably?” Says the Lord of hosts.

10 “Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, So that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain? I have no pleasure in you,” Says the Lord of hosts, “Nor will I accept an offering from your hands.

11 For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering; For My name shall be great among the nations,” Says the Lord of hosts.

12 “But you profane it, In that you say, ‘The table of the Lord is defiled; And its fruit, its food, is contemptible.’

13 You also say, ‘Oh, what a weariness!’ And you sneer at it,” Says the Lord of hosts. “And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; Thus you bring an offering! Should I accept this from your hand?” Says the Lord.

14 “But cursed be the deceiver Who has in his flock a male, And takes a vow, But sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished—or I am a great King,” Says the Lord of hosts, “And My name is to be feared among the nations.

Malachi transcribes the list of devolutions that Israel had fallen to that resulted from their forgetting the preeminence of God in their life and so 

• Honor as a Father not offered 
• Reverence not given as a Lord
• Name despised by the priests
• Defiled offerings by the priests 
• Offerings presented to God that would not be accepted by men
• Preparations for ceremonies are not fully staffed
• Ceremonies are attended to with weariness and disdain
• Offerings for the altar are rotten, stolen, damaged, diseased

The Lord underscores that He is a Great King and is to be honored is a manner fitting for an awesome King and that we are not to be deceptive in evading the proper honor of God.

Amen.

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OUR FATHER WHO LOVES JACOB AND HATES ESSAU (LOVE OUR BORN AGAIN SPIRIT AND HATES OUR FALLEN NATURE

Starting in the book of Malachi in chapter 1 verses 1 - 5, we read this,

1 The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.

2 “I have loved you,” says the Lord.

“Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?”

Says the Lord. “Yet Jacob I have loved;

3 But Esau I have hated,

And laid waste his mountains and his heritage For the jackals of the wilderness.”

4 Even though Edom has said, “We have been impoverished,

But we will return and build the desolate places,” Thus says the Lord of hosts:

“They may build, but I will throw down; They shall be called the Territory of Wickedness,

And the people against whom the Lord will have indignation forever.

5 Your eyes shall see, And you shall say,  ‘The Lord is magnified beyond the border of Israel.’

This passage is quoted in Romans chapter 9 verse 13 where Paul discusses how the calling on individuals is not self-determined but rather a divine determination that occurs before the birth of the person.

As well, in as far as the twins Jacob and Essau are metaphores for the duality of a believer, Jacob, who is the younger one and represents the born again spirit of the believer, is destined to rule over the older Essau who represents the flesh oor the corrupted spirit. The phrase ´Jacob I loved and Essau I hatedˋ illustrates the reality that the fallen nature is contraty to God while the born again spirit loves the  things of God and is loved by God,

The passage goes on to foretell that the fortunes and holdings of the flesh would be destroyed by the Lord in the work that is ongoing in believers to make them complete.

Amen,

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OUR FATHER WHOSE SON WILL REIGN IN JERUSALEM AND ALL HIS ENEMIES WILL BE SUBDUED

The book of Zachariah chapter 14 verses 16 -  21 says this;

 16 And it shall come to pass that everyone who is left of all the nations which came against Jerusalem shall go up from year to year to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, and to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 17 And it shall be that whichever of the families of the earth do not come up to Jerusalem to worship the King, the Lord of hosts, on them there will be no rain. 18 If the family of Egypt will not come up and enter in, they shall have no rain; they shall receive the plague with which the Lord strikes the nations who do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles. 19 This shall be the punishment of Egypt and the punishment of all the nations that do not come up to keep the Feast of Tabernacles.

20 In that day “HOLINESS TO THE LORD” shall be engraved on the bells of the horses. The pots in the Lord’s house shall be like the bowls before the altar. 21 Yes, every pot in Jerusalem and Judah shall be holiness to the Lord of hosts. Everyone who sacrifices shall come and take them and cook in them. In that day there shall no longer be a Canaanite in the house of the Lord of hosts.

This last passage of the book of Zachariah foretells a time when the remnant people of the nations that fought against the Lordˋs people will be required to attend the annual feats of Tabernacles in Jerusalem. Any nation or people who refuse to appear in Jerusalem for the Feast of Tabernacles will be struck with drought and a plague shall be released on them.

All of humanity will be required to participate in the Feast of Tabernacles and tribute to the Holiness of the Lord will be universal and such that every accoutrement  from the bells on horses to domestic utensils will be engraved with acknowledgement of the Lordˋs holiness.

Amen.

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 OUR FATHER WILL STRIKE THOSE WHO STRUCK  HIS PEOPLE

The book of Zachariah chapter 14 verses 10 - 15 says this;

10 All the land shall be turned into a plain from Geba to Rimmon south of Jerusalem. Jerusalem shall be raised up and inhabited in her place from Benjamin’s Gate to the place of the First Gate and the Corner Gate, and from the Tower of Hananel to the king’s winepresses.

11 The people shall dwell in it; And no longer shall there be utter destruction, But Jerusalem shall be safely inhabited.

12 And this shall be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the people who fought against Jerusalem: Their flesh shall dissolve while they stand on their feet, Their eyes shall dissolve in their sockets, And their tongues shall dissolve in their mouths.

13 It shall come to pass in that day That a great panic from the Lord will be among them. Everyone will seize the hand of his neighbor, And raise his hand against his neighbor’s hand;

14 Judah also will fight at Jerusalem. And the wealth of all the surrounding nations Shall be gathered together: Gold, silver, and apparel in great abundance.

15 Such also shall be the plague On the horse and the mule, On the camel and the donkey, And on all the cattle that will be in those camps. So shall this plague be.

In  this passage, the prophet Zachariah provides some details of the renovations that were going to occur in Jerusalem and surrounding area. The region would be brought to grade so that the city would be surrounded by a flat platform. The city itself would be raised above the platform.

The nations that attacked Jerusalem and remained a threat to Jerusalem would be struck by what appears to be a nuclear blast where the population would dissolve where they stood. The animals of the hostile nations would also be struck by the plague that would be visited on them.

Amen.

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OUR FATHER WHO WILL GATHER THE NATIONS 

The book of Zachariah chapter 14 verse 1 - 9  says this; 

1 Behold, the day of the Lord is coming, And your spoil will be divided in your midst.

2 For I will gather all the nations to battle against Jerusalem; The city shall be taken, The houses rifled, And the women ravished. Half of the city shall go into captivity, But the remnant of the people shall not be cut off from the city.

3 Then the Lord will go forth And fight against those nations, As He fights in the day of battle.

4 And in that day His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives, Which faces Jerusalem on the east. And the Mount of Olives shall be split in two, From east to west, Making a very large valley;

Half of the mountain shall move toward the north And half of it toward the south.

5 Then you shall flee through My mountain valley, For the mountain valley shall reach to Azal. Yes, you shall flee As you fled from the earthquake

In the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Thus the Lord my God will come, And all the saints with You.

6 It shall come to pass in that day That there will be no light; The lights will diminish.

7 It shall be one day Which is known to the Lord— Neither day nor night.

But at evening time it shall happen That it will be light.

8 And in that day it shall be That living waters shall flow from Jerusalem, Half of them toward the eastern sea And half of them toward the western sea; In both summer and winter it shall occur.

9 And the Lord shall be King over all the earth. In that day it shall be— “The Lord is one,” And His name one.

This passage speaks of a time when Jerusalem would be overrun be her enemies leaving only a remnant of people within it but the Lord was going to appear at the Mount of Olives that stands east of Jerusalem and He will arrive with His saints and fight against the enemies of Jerusalem. 

That day will be distinguished by a day of darkness where the whole globe would be plunged into darkness. On that day, in the evening,  the sky will be emblazoned with a light show that will be visible throughout the earth.

This prophecy is parallel to the prophey that the Lord Jesus gave regarding the the same event in Matthew chapter 24 verse 26 - 30 which, interestingly, He gave while sitting with His disciples on the Mount of Olives.

26 “So if anyone tells you, ‘There he is, out in the wilderness,’ do not go out; or, ‘Here he is, in the inner rooms,’ do not believe it. 27 For as lightning that comes from the east is visible even in the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. 28 Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.

29 “Immediately after the distress of those days “‘the sun will be darkened,  and the moon will not give its light; he stars will fall from the sky, and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.’

30 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 

The Lord Jesus adds to the milieu the desceptive political realm that will be actively working to deceive people and mislead them into following false messiahs in order to entrap them and eliminate them.

When the Lord arrives in great power and glory, the deception will immeadiately revealed and people will weep for the one whom they rejected.

The Lordˋs single unified  kingdom will be establish over the entire earth and from His headquarters in Jerusalem, springs of living water carrying life and healing will flow to all the places on earth.

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHO OPENED A FOUNTAIN TO CLEAN AWAY SIN AND UNLCEANNESS

The book of Zachariah chapter 13 verses 1 - 9 says this;

1 “In that day a fountain shall be opened for the house of David and for the inhabitants of Jerusalem, for sin and for uncleanness.

2 “It shall be in that day,” says the Lord of hosts, “that I will cut off the names of the idols from the land, and they shall no longer be remembered. I will also cause the prophets and the unclean spirit to depart from the land. 3 It shall come to pass that if anyone still prophesies, then his father and mother who begot him will say to him, ‘You shall not live, because you have spoken lies in the name of the Lord.’ And his father and mother who begot him shall thrust him through when he prophesies.

4 “And it shall be in that day that every prophet will be ashamed of his vision when he prophesies; they will not wear a robe of coarse hair to deceive. 5 But he will say, ‘I am no prophet, I am a farmer; for a man taught me to keep cattle from my youth.’ 6 And one will say to him, ‘What are these wounds between your arms?’ Then he will answer, ‘Those with which I was wounded in the house of my friends.’

7 “Awake, O sword, against My Shepherd, Against the Man who is My Companion,”

Says the Lord of hosts. “Strike the Shepherd, And the sheep will be scattered;

Then I will turn My hand against the little ones.

8 And it shall come to pass in all the land,” Says the Lord,

“That two-thirds in it shall be cut off and die, But one-third shall be left in it:

9 I will bring the one-third through the fire,

Will refine them as silver is refined, And test them as gold is tested.

They will call on My name, And I will answer them.

I will say, ‘This is My people’; And each one will say, ‘The Lord is my God.’ ”

In this passage, the prophet Zachariah records a prophecy about a time that would come when the shepherd would be struck and the sheep under His care would scatter. This foretells the night that Jesus was arrested by the authorities in the garden of Gethsemene and the disciples who were with Him all fled to escape the clutches of the soldiers who had come for them. This is noted by the Lord Jesus Himself on the night that He was betrayed as recorded in Matthew chapter 26 verse 31 that says;

31 Then Jesus told them, “This very night you will all fall away on account of me, for it is written:

“ ‘I will strike the shepherd, and the sheep of the flock will be scattered.’ 

Zachariah also foretells the dispensation where only a remnant is left behind and these who are refined as silver and tested as gold are the ones who will call God their Lord and He would call them His people.

Amen.

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OUR FATHER WHO GAVE THE SPIRIT OF GRACE AND SUPPLICATION TO OPEN THE EYES OF THOSE WHO DO NOT SEE

The book of Zachariah chapter 12 verses 10 - 14 says this;

10 “And I will pour on the house of David and on the inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced. Yes, they will mourn for Him as one mourns for his only son, and grieve for Him as one grieves for a firstborn. 11 In that day there shall be a great mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo. 12 And the land shall mourn, every family by itself: the family of the house of David by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of the house of Nathan by itself, and their wives by themselves; 13 the family of the house of Levi by itself, and their wives by themselves; the family of Shimei by itself, and their wives by themselves; 14 all the families that remain, every family by itself, and their wives by themselves.

The Prophet Zachariah, looking into the distant future from his time, saw a time when the Spirit of grace and supplication would be poured out on the children of Israel and a  deep mourning would settle in the land where the children of Israel would look upon the One they pierced and realize whom it was that they rejected and each individual would grieve for Him the way one would grieve at the death of a first born son.

This passage is referenced in the book of John chapter 19 verses 36 - 37 where the Lord Jesus, while on the cross, had to be taken down because the next day was the Sabbath day and in order to do so, they  pierced Him in the chest to verify that He was dead. The apostle John wrote that this event was the fufilment of the prophecy found in Zachariah chapter 12 verse 10.

 36 These things happened so that the scripture would be fulfilled: “Not one of his bones will be broken,” 37 and, as another scripture says, “They will look on the one they have pierced.”

Amen.

1

 OUR FATHER WHO WILL STRENGTHEN HIS PEOPLE AGAINST THEIR ENEMIES

The book of Zachariah chapter 12 verses 1 -  9 says this;

1 The burden of the word of the Lord against Israel. Thus says the Lord, who stretches out the heavens, lays the foundation of the earth, and forms the spirit of man within him: 2 “Behold, I will make Jerusalem a cup of drunkenness to all the surrounding peoples, when they lay siege against Judah and Jerusalem. 3 And it shall happen in that day that I will make Jerusalem a very heavy stone for all peoples; all who would heave it away will surely be cut in pieces, though all nations of the earth are gathered against it. 4 In that day,” says the Lord, “I will strike every horse with confusion, and its rider with madness; I will open My eyes on the house of Judah, and will strike every horse of the peoples with blindness. 5 And the governors of Judah shall say in their heart, ‘The inhabitants of Jerusalem are my strength in the Lord of hosts, their God.’ 6 In that day I will make the governors of Judah like a firepan in the woodpile, and like a fiery torch in the sheaves; they shall devour all the surrounding peoples on the right hand and on the left, but Jerusalem shall be inhabited again in her own place—Jerusalem.

7 “The Lord will save the tents of Judah first, so that the glory of the house of David and the glory of the inhabitants of Jerusalem shall not become greater than that of Judah. 8 In that day the Lord will defend the inhabitants of Jerusalem; the one who is feeble among them in that day shall be like David, and the house of David shall be like God, like the Angel of the Lord before them. 9 It shall be in that day that I will seek to destroy all the nations that come against Jerusalem.

The prophet Zachariah, seeing ahead into the deep future, described the geopolitical pressure that would surround Jerusalem against which the Lord would directly intervene to strengthen Judah in the face of her enemies. 

Amen.

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