A Passionate Heart

“A prophecy: The word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi… Malachi 1:1.”

Malachi was a very special prophet. He was the last prophet to speak before the long silence of 400 years and he had a real passion for speaking truth. So, what did Malachi have a passion for? He had a passion or a burning desire for God, and for God’s honor.

Look at verse 6 of chapter 1:

“A son honors his father and a slave his master. If I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect due me?” says the LORD Almighty. “It is you priests who show contempt for my name. “But you ask, ‘How have we shown contempt for your name?’

Let me ask you… Do you have a passion for God’s honor and glory? Do you have a burning desire for God Himself? Malachi had a passion for the word of God. The word of God was being trampled underfoot. It was listened to but not obeyed, just like it is today. Does that make you burdened or even angry?

Malachi had a passion for God’s work. All through the book, especially in chapter 1, he sees the altar of the Lord being polluted (vs 7). He sees eye service to the work of God and he is burdened and passionate to speak out under the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Malachi has a passion for God’s people. They were living lives that appeared to the outsider, good and sacrificial lives, but in reality, within they were living lives that were a lie.

There were many in Malachi’s day, which saw the same things, but said nothing… It is the same today. Be open to the Spirit’s voice. Share God’s passion with the world. Share God’s passion with His church.

God bless you, Keith