Daily Bible Reading—December 2024, God’s Guiding Word: Joyనమూనా

Introduction

Malachi 2:1–17: The priests are admonished for breaking their covenant with God. Husbands are admonished for being unfaithful to their wives. Malachi sees marriage as the same kind of permanent agreement as the one that united God and the people of Israel.

Today’s Key Verse: Malachi 2:5a

[The LORD Almighty says:] “In my covenant I promised them life and well-being, and this is what I gave them, so that they might respect me.”

Reflect

Faithfulness meant keeping promises and agreements; it also meant being completely loyal to God and to a partner in marriage. How is marriage compared to the relationship the people were to have with God? Reread verses 6–9. How are the current priests compared with those of the past? What is the duty of priests? Is the same true of clergy today? In what ways do you demonstrate your faithfulness to God?

Pray

God of steadfast love, may I remain faithful to you. Keep me on the right path so that I will listen to your voice and do what is pleasing in your sight. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Malachi 3:1–18: The LORD’s messenger will be sent to proclaim the LORD’s covenant.