JANUARY 5, Malachi 1:1-3

God Himself speaks of His love for the nation of Israel. This love is such a wonderful love as it is part of God’s salvation plan for His people. It began in eternity, and continues today. God still loves Israel and will always love Israel. The love that God has for Israel, God has for us; the covenantal love that God has for His people, those who trust in His only begotten Son, the Lord Jesus Christ. What are the tokens of God’s love for Israel? Remember how they were delivered from the bondage of Egypt, where they were all slaves? God’s love was shown to them throughout the forty years in the desert wilderness where He guided them with a pillar of cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. Because the desert is such a barren place with no natural clouds to shield them from the sun by day, the pillar of cloud God sent was a real comfort to them. Further, it was a visual and immediate source of guidance to them – just follow the cloud and they would be right!

If you have been to a desert in the night, you will know it is both cold and dark. Unlike modern cities like Singapore, where there are street lamps all around, deserts are unpredictable and unfriendly, especially at night. Creeping poisonous insects and sudden drops in sand dunes can cause serious injuries or even death. God knew the problems Israel would encounter, and provided them with a pillar of fire. Imagine – this huge pillar of fire for them to follow, their light to lead, their warmth to enjoy! How good God is!

The many blessings from God are tokens of His love.

Can you count your many blessings?

They are:
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Thought: How good is the God whom we adore!

Prayer: Heavenly Father, thank You so much for Your love, and please teach me to be thankful for all Your love to me. I pray to strive to be a better Christian each day. In Jesus’ name I pray, Amen.