Day 20: Refocus

We were traveling for a wedding and to see friends this weekend (hence the late posts). This morning we had the special privilege to hear one of my good friends and college classmates preach this morning.

He spoke on Malachi 1, which teaches about the type of worship that is pleasing to God. Verse 11 just popped out at me, so I thought we'd settle here tonight to refocus as we head into the last 11 days of our challenge.

Malachi 1:11 reads as follows:
"'My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,' says the Lord Almighty."

In the midst of this chapter rebuking the Israelites for sleepwalking through their worship checklist, God reminds His people of the bigger picture. God is holy and worthy of worship. His name will be made great in every nation, tribe, and language in the world. These are not words from a conceited deity. Instead God is clearly stating His holiness and is prophesying about a day that will come. And what a day that will be!

Father God, we praise You for accepting our worship, as imperfect as our best attempts may be. We praise You for grace. Lord, You remind us over and over again about Your ultimate plan for this world...that Your name would be glorified in every tribe, nation, and tongue. Let us not forget that we are to be a part of that plan. Help us make Your name great! Amen