July 2, 2025

GOD’S WORD FOR TODAY:

“‘Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?‘ declares the LORD. ‘Yet Jacob I have loved, but Esau I have hated, and I have made his mountains a wasteland and left his inheritance to the desert jackals.’”

(Malachi 1.2b-3)

TODAY’S REFLECTION ON GOD’S WORD TO US:

“Hate” seems to be a pretty strong word. It stands opposed to “love” which is an equally strong word. In that respect, the modern world has developed a misunderstanding and thus a misapplication of the words within the context of life and living. We would do well to keep in mind that seeing things from God’s perspective is what best defines “the Word of God.” While the Bible is scribed by human authors, it is the Holy Spirit of God which communicated the words of God to be written and preserved for all future generations. Does that mean we are reading script which is influenced by the human condition? Or are we being challenged to seek out the true deeper meaning and application of God’s Word. I believe we are being challenged to seek out what God is attempting to communicate not from a human perspective but from the Kingdom perspective. To see His Word merely with human eyes and human understanding creates the confusion so many people have when reading and listening to scripture. We have to remind ourselves to consider “What is God saying that we need to hear?” We must be careful not to project our thoughts, understandings and misunderstandings onto His Word and into it. We do well to seek clarity on what God is saying so that its truth can lead, guide and direct our thoughts and actions in the way they should go. Solomon taught as much as recorded at Proverbs 22.6, “Instruct your children on the way they should go, and even when they are old they will not turn from it.” What Solomon may have meant for the instruction of his numerous children (a small community all by themselves) is food for thought for those of us who are “children of God.” We should be devoted to the study of the Word of God and the instruction by it. The Holy Spirit is our guide and teacher as well as those who are led by the Spirit themselves. Only by prayer and mentored study are we able to ascertain the true will of God. Even Jesus did this during His ministry.

I mention all of this because of the use of the word “hate” and “love” in today’s scripture for reflection. In the same manner, I would ask you to consider that the terms of “hate” and “love” in relation to God is focused on “out of blessing/withholding of a blessing” (i.e. hate) and “in favor/being blessed” (i.e. love). As God is love in its purest and most unadulterated form, He cannot “hate” as human beings have determined to understand the word and apply it in their feelings, emotions and actions toward “person, place or thing…or even to God.” As human beings, we ought to love “person, place and thing, yes, even God” with godly love. Godly love, agape in Greek, is the foundation and fountain upon which and out of which all love should be rooted and defined. If we stay within the realm of “Seek first the Kingdom of God and His righteousness” then “all that is needed will be provided” not only will come into focus but will not even be a concern. We will abide by God’s will and desire for our lives, for the welfare of the lives of others and His Name’s sake.

This was not the way Esau lived or viewed life in relationship to God. He acted according to his own understanding instead of trusting in God. The prophecy was that the older, in this case Esau, would serve the younger, Jacob by a heel. (Genesis 27) Esau could well have served his brother Jacob without having to surrender either his birthright, as the oldest son, or his blessing, as bestowed by Isaac. There is far more to the story than I have the time to dive into with this reflection. However, the truth is the same for us all. Following God’s will and aligning ourselves with the insight of God for each of us as we have been made in His sight and in the image of His Son who is the Christ of God, not only makes for peace but keeps it. Further, it displays faith and righteousness to a world that does not yet know God. But, following our own desires and tainted interpretations creates a problem that only God can sort out. And He can do that when we seek Him as the “waymaker.” Such was not the culture and climate of God’s people in the days of Malachi.

TODAY’S PRAYER IN RESPONSE TO GOD’S WORD:

Father, in these days we are finding the need to believe even more than ever before. We all have known trouble, some in greater ways than others, but You are offering us the assurance that we will not be consumed by it forever. Regardless of the “time” we are in and the “time” we have been given, we ask for Your Holy Spirit which Jesus asked You to share with us, to lead and guide and direct us in the paths we should go. Teach us what we still need to learn. Empower us to put that learning into action. Bless our actions not as a works righteousness but as righteous works leading others to call Jesus Lord in faith, hope and love. AMEN.