Keeping covenant
Day 469, Sunday, Nov. 23
Malachi (all)
Our time in the Minor Prophets—and in the Old Testament—ends in Malachi. In many ways it covers the topics typical of the prophets. In chapter 2:7-9 we read about concerns over unfaithful teachers and showing partiality in matters of law. In 3:5 we read about judgment for wage fraud, oppression of widows and orphans and injustice toward foreigners.
In 4:4 we are reminded, “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.”
But the two concerns that get the most space in Malachi feel more personal.
Early in chapter 1 we read of the wrong of offering blemished sacrifices. This can sound foreign to our experience until we think of all the ways we have sinned by offering God less than our best.
Chapter 2 speaks of breaking covenant through divorce. As is typical for the day, the teaching is addressed to men, and thus highlights the obligations of the husbad toward the wife.
In verse 14, Malachi says, “You have been unfaithful to her, though she is your partner, the wife of your marriage covenant.” In verse 16 we read, “The man who hates and divorces his wife does violence to the one he should protect.” Beyond the light these verses shed on the husband’s responsibility, remember that the marriage covenant is often a parallel for our covenant with God.

-Rev. Mark Fleming

Sunday meditation

Psalms 31:19-24
How abundant are the good things that you have stored up for those who fear you, that you bestow in the sight of all, on those who take refuge in you. In the shelter of your presence you hide them from all human intrigues; you keep them safe in your dwelling from accusing tongues.
Praise be to the Lord, for he showed me the wonders of his love when I was in a city under siege. In my alarm I said, “I am cut off from your sight!” Yet you heard my cry for mercy when I called to you for help.
Love the Lord, all his faithful people! The Lord preserves those who are true to him, but the proud he pays back in full. Be strong and take heart, all you who hope in the Lord.

Prayer focus
Lord, may we never be guilty of doing violence to those we should protect.