Tag Archives: Malachi

Silent Nights

Posted on December 24, 2023 by expressyourself4him

When the Lord delivered His final message through Malachi 397 years Before Christ, 400 years of silence followed. From a statistical perspective, this meant that God didn’t speak to anyone on earth for 146,200 consecutive days. As Christmas Eve activities begin for followers of Christ, this wasn’t just one silent night. Rather, this was 4 centuries of silent nights.

Now when Jesus was born in Bethlehem of Judea in the days of Herod the king, behold, wise men [astrologers] from the east came to Jerusalem, asking, 2 Where is He Who has been born King of the Jews? For we have seen His star in the east [a]at its rising and have come to worship Him, Matthew 2:1-2.

Despite God’s silence, this didn’t stop a group of astrologers from researching what Jewish historians were discussing. Something in the evening sky didn’t make sense. Where did this new star come from in the eastern sky. Subsequently, these curious Magi, also known as wise men, begin a journey across the desert to see what another silent night might bring them.

When Herod the king heard this, he was disturbed and troubled, and the whole of Jerusalem with him. 4 So he called together all the chief priests and learned men (scribes) of the people and [b]anxiously asked them where the Christ was to be born. 5 They replied to him, In Bethlehem of Judea, for so it is written by the prophet: 6 And you Bethlehem, in the land of Judah, you are not in any way least or insignificant among the [c]chief cities of Judah; for from you shall come a Ruler ([d]Leader) Who will govern and [e]shepherd My people Israel, Matthew 2:4-6.

One of the reasons scholars believe that Jesus was born in 3 BC is that the chaos brought on by King Herod. Fearful of this future Jewish king, Herod’s edict led to the slaughter of innocent Jewish boys two years and younger. For those parents seeking to hide their infants, these were not silent nights. These events all set the stage for the birth of the Christ child, Matthew 2:9-10, ending once and for all countless silent nights.

by Jay Mankus

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An Altar of Tears

Posted on March 28, 2013 by expressyourself4him

The Psalmist was one of the first to address God’s view on the broken hearted.  According to Psalm 34:18, God promises to draw near the hurting and save those devastated by life’s trials.  Jesus furthers God’s position within Matthew 11:28-30.  A woman in Mark 14:3-5, takes Jesus’ words literally, bowing down before him, anointing his head.  John’s version includes other details, as this same woman pours the remaining perfume on his feet, using her wash to thoroughly wash Jesus’ feet, John 12:3.  Like a child who cries before being punished by their parents, desperate moments often resemble an altar of tears.

However, the prophet Malachi gives a different perspective of this picture.  From God’s side of the altar, He does see the flood of tears, as people cry out for help, Malachi 2:13.  On the other hand, God also sees disobedience, impure motives and half-hearted offerings.  If the Lord is jealous, Exodus 20:5, anyone or anything which comes between you and God, creates a role reversal.  Our Heavenly Father is the one who longs to spend time with you, knocking on the door or your heart, waiting to have fellowship with you, Revelation 3:20.  Like a shepherd, searching for a lost sheep, God’s heart won’t be satisfied until you are found, Luke 15:6-7.

One of the greatest spectacles on earth occurs when a sinner repents, Luke 15:10.  As a person attempts to make it in life on their own, breaking points vary.  The independent  tend to last the longest, content longer than most.  The insecure often become co-dependent, on someone or something.  However, when you reach that moment in time, where the void in the heart brings you to an altar of tears, Jesus is waiting with out-stretched arms, Matthew 11:28-30.   Freedom is available for you right now, John 8:34-36, accessible by God’s grace, through a prayer and an alter of tears.

by Jay Mankus

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