In what ways can we "entreat the favor of the LORD" in our lives? The Setting in Malachi 1:9 “‘But now plead for God’s favor, that He may be gracious to us. With such an offering from your hands, will He accept you?’ says the LORD of Hosts.” (Malachi 1:9) The prophet confronts priests who were bringing blind, lame, and diseased animals—worship that cost them nothing. God’s message is simple: true favor cannot be separated from wholehearted honor toward Him. What “entreating the favor” means • To plead or beg earnestly for God’s gracious attention • To approach Him on His terms, not ours • To seek blessing through reverent obedience rather than empty ritual Ways to Entreat the LORD’s Favor Today • Give God the best, not the leftovers – “Honor the LORD with your wealth, with the firstfruits of all your harvest.” (Proverbs 3:9) – Offer time, talents, and resources that reflect His worth. • Approach Him through wholehearted worship – “Therefore I urge you… to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your spiritual service of worship.” (Romans 12:1) – Engage heart, mind, and body, avoiding half-hearted routines. • Confess and turn from sin – “If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9) – Repentance dismantles the barriers that deaden prayer. • Revere His name daily – “Holy and awesome is His name.” (Psalm 111:9) – Speak, think, and act in ways that protect God’s reputation. • Cultivate a life of humble prayer – “The LORD is near to all who call on Him, to all who call on Him in truth.” (Psalm 145:18) – Pray with honesty and dependence, not formality. • Obey promptly what Scripture reveals – “Blessed rather are those who hear the word of God and obey it.” (Luke 11:28) – Favor follows obedience because obedience proves love (John 14:21). • Practice justice and generosity – “Bring the full tithe into the storehouse… ‘Test Me in this,’ says the LORD of Hosts, ‘and see if I will not open the windows of heaven.’” (Malachi 3:10) – Treat people fairly, care for the poor, and give liberally. • Keep covenant faithfulness in relationships – “The LORD was witness between you and the wife of your youth… So guard yourselves in your spirit, and do not break faith.” (Malachi 2:14-16) – Loyalty in marriage and integrity in commitments reflect God’s character. • Draw near through Christ’s finished work – “Let us then approach the throne of grace with confidence, so that we may receive mercy and find grace to help us in our time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16) – Depend on Jesus, the perfect sacrifice, not personal merit. • Persist in faith even when answers delay – “Without faith it is impossible to please God.” (Hebrews 11:6) – Continue seeking, trusting that the Father rewards those who earnestly seek Him. The Fruit of Entreating His Favor • Renewed intimacy with God (James 4:8) • Tangible blessing suited to His purpose (Deuteronomy 28:2) • Courage and peace in trials (Philippians 4:6-7) • A witness that draws others to His greatness (Matthew 5:16) |
    |