Malachi 3:6-12

Malachi 3:6-12
English Standard Version (ESV)

  We love the thought of revenge, of getting even.  The internet seems to be a happy place when someone gets what is coming, and when they do not, there is a loud outcry for justice.  It seems to be human nature for us to want to see punishment.
  Here, God accuses the people of robbing him by not bringing their full tithe to him.  I doubt this passage is read very often on stewardship Sundays, but the Bible is consistent about calling us to give a tithe to the church.
  What I love about this passage is that God isn't using this as an opportunity to rebuke or punish the people.  Instead, God is teaching them about God's character.  The flaw is pointed out, and then to answer the question about why they should follow the Law, the reward is pointed to.  God isn't motivating us through threat of punishment -- rather it's through encouragement.  God is pointing to the abundant life that comes when we choose to live according to his commands.  God isn't eager to punish, he is eager to bless.  This is what is so frustrating to me about people who try and threaten others to come to church -- we should want to come to church because we want to experience the wonder of God's grace and love, the kind of God who invites people to follow him by pointing to the blessings that come with discipleship.