“And it shall come to pass, if thou shalt hearken diligently unto the voice of the LORD thy God, to observe and to do all his commandments which I command thee this day, that the LORD thy God will set thee on high above all nations of the earth” (Deuteronomy 28:1, KJV).

ABSTRACT

This article delves into the enduring principle of obedience to God’s commands, spotlighting stewardship through the lens of Haggai’s prophetic call and Malachi’s assurances on tithing. It examines how the Israelites’ delay in rebuilding the temple mirrored our own tendencies to prioritize personal pursuits over divine work, leading to spiritual emptiness, yet God’s mercy promises overflowing blessings upon faithful return. Drawing from sacred Scriptures and inspired writings, the discussion urges the community to align priorities with heavenly values, fostering restoration in finances, relationships, and communal life, ultimately revealing God’s love as the motivator behind every directive for our eternal good.

INTRODUCTION

Throughout history, obedience to God’s commands has anchored spiritual growth and deeper understanding. From the Israelites’ call to rebuild the temple to our struggles, the relationship between obedience and blessings forms the core of our connection with God. This blog reflects on these lessons, drawing from the Bible and Ellen G. White’s writings along with practical applications for today. Scripture reveals that obedience unlocks divine favor, as Deuteronomy 28:2 declares, “And all these blessings shall come on thee, and overtake thee, if thou shalt hearken unto the voice of the LORD thy God.” In Prophets and Kings, Ellen G. White observes, “The Lord calls for a decided reformation in every church. As the people of God, we must be as salt that has not lost its savor” (Prophets and Kings, p. 276, 1917). A prophetic voice further affirms through inspired counsel, “By willing obedience to God’s commands, we show our love for Him. Thus we gain a fitness to be among that number of whom it will be said, ‘Blessed are they that do His commandments, that they may have right to the tree of life’” (The Signs of the Times, March 9, 1891). John 14:15 adds weight to this truth: “If ye love me, keep my commandments.” These assurances highlight how steadfast adherence to divine will not only honors God but also positions us for His promised prosperity in every sphere of life. What specific call to action did God issue through His prophet to a procrastinating people?

THE CALL TO REBUILD: LESSONS FROM HAGGAI

In 538 BC, King Cyrus of Persia fulfilled a divine promise, allowing the Israelites to return and rebuild Jerusalem’s temple (Ezra 1:1–4). Yet, despite this opportunity, the Israelites delayed. Haggai 1:2 highlights their excuses: “The time is not come, the time that the Lord’s house should be built.” Their procrastination dishonored God, as delays in obedience are a form of disobedience. Haggai 1:6 vividly portrays the consequences: “Ye have sown much, and bring in little…and he that earneth wages earneth wages to put it into a bag with holes.” This metaphor symbolizes the futility of neglecting God’s priorities. A passage from Prophets and Kings reminds us, “The displeasure of the Lord was kindled against His people because they had turned from the worship of the true God to idolatry” (Prophets and Kings, p. 348, 1917). Through inspired counsel, we learn, “God holds up before us as a high standard—perfect obedience to His law. He who accepts Christ as his personal Savior must accept His yoke of obedience” (Manuscript Releases, vol. 5, p. 1208, 1990). Clearly, such neglect invites divine withholding, yet prompt response restores harmony and fruitfulness in our endeavors. How do our daily choices echo this ancient hesitation, and what personal adjustments might invite God’s intervention in our stalled projects?

REFLECTING ON OUR PRIORITIES

How often do we delay God’s work for personal comfort? The Israelites’ plight mirrors our own struggles when we prioritize material gain over spiritual obedience. Malachi 3:7 admonishes, “Return unto me, and I will return unto you.” This plea underscores the connection between our choices and the blessings we receive. A farmer’s experience demonstrates this principle. By withholding tithes to pay debts, he planted a large crop, hoping for a substantial harvest. However, an unexpected freeze destroyed his field, fulfilling the warning of Malachi 3:9: “Ye are cursed with a curse: for ye have robbed me.” As Deuteronomy 8:18 reminds us, it is God who gives the ability to obtain wealth. When we fail to honor Him, we hinder our blessings. Matthew 6:33 urges us forward: “But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you.” The inspired pen articulates, “The system of tithes and offerings was intended to impress the minds of men with a great truth—that God is the source of every blessing to His creatures, and that their best interests would be promoted by a faithful observance of the divine statutes” (Patriarchs and Prophets, p. 525, 1890). Sr. White adds, “The tithe is sacred, reserved by God for Himself. It is to be brought into His treasury to be used to sustain the gospel laborers in their work” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 9, p. 247, 1909). Honoring God first transforms scarcity into abundance, securing His provision across all needs. In what ways does our community mirror this farmer’s misstep, and how might collective recommitment unlock shared prosperity?

GOD’S PROMISE OF RESTORATION

Despite human failings, God extends mercy. In Malachi 3:10, He promises, “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse…and prove me now herewith…if I will not open you the windows of heaven.” This invitation highlights God’s readiness to transform curses into blessings when we return to faithful stewardship. The widow’s offering in Luke 21:1–4 illustrates this principle. Despite her poverty, she gave all she had, exemplifying faith and dependence on God. Through inspired counsel, we are told, “God was the acknowledged owner, humans the stewards of His property. In Malachi’s day the tithes were paid to the priests” (Ellen G. White’s Counsel and Practice on Tithe, p. 8, 1986). A thematic insight reveals, “Now, what about the ‘storehouse’? Malachi quotes God as instructing His people to bring all the tithes into the ‘storehouse’ (Malachi 3:10)” (Ellen G. White’s Counsel and Practice on Tithe, p. 186, 1986). Proverbs 3:9-10 reinforces this: “Honour the LORD with thy substance, and with the firstfruits of all thine increase: So shall thy barns be filled with plenty, and thy presses shall burst out with new wine.” Such generosity not only tests God’s faithfulness but also cultivates a heart attuned to His boundless generosity toward us. How does this divine challenge to “prove me” resonate in our financial decisions today, prompting a bolder step of trust?

HOW THESE CONCEPTS REFLECT GOD’S LOVE

God’s call for obedience and faithful giving reflects His profound love for humanity. By urging us to “consider [our] ways” (Haggai 1:5), He invites introspection for our benefit, not His. His commands are not burdens but invitations to experience abundance. Malachi 3:10 confirms His love: “I will…pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.” When we obey, we align with His desire to nurture and sustain us. 1 John 5:3 proclaims, “For this is the love of God, that we keep his commandments: and his commandments are not grievous.” In The Desire of Ages, a passage reminds us, “Jesus said unto him, Thou shalt love the Lord thy God with all thy heart, and with all thy soul, and with all thy mind. This is the first and great commandment” (The Desire of Ages, p. 583, 1898). Role-based guidance from the inspired messenger states, “Begin at once to obey the divine commandments, and trust in God. Provoke not His wrath, lest He visit you with terrible punishment. Return to Him before it is too late” (Testimonies for the Church, vol. 4, p. 1255, 1881). These directives flow from a Father’s heart, designed to shield and enrich rather than restrict. What deeper layers of affection do we uncover when we view stewardship not as duty but as an expression of mutual love?

OBEDIENCE IN MODERN TIMES

Today, many face the temptation to prioritize career, possessions, or comfort over spiritual duties. Society often values personal gain above collective good, mirroring the Israelites’ misplaced priorities. Yet, God’s principles remain unchanged. Biblical principles call for faithful stewardship, not merely of finances but of time, talents, and relationships. By prioritizing God’s work, we counter the societal trend of self-centeredness. This faithfulness fosters both spiritual and communal growth, ensuring blessings extend beyond individual lives. Romans 5:19 declares, “For as by one man’s disobedience many were made sinners, so by the obedience of one shall many be made righteous.” Counsels for the Church offers, “Above all, let children be taught that true reverence is shown by obedience. God has commanded nothing that is unessential, and there is no other way of manifesting reverence for Him” (Counsels for the Church, p. 1941, 1946). Sr. White emphasizes, “An honest man, according to Christ’s measurement, is one who will manifest unbending integrity” (Counsels for the Church, p. 607, 1946). Embracing these timeless truths equips us to thrive amid contemporary pressures, turning potential conflicts into testimonies of grace. How can we practically weave this obedience into our fast-paced routines to inspire those around us?

Embracing these truths calls us to action in our walk with God. Just as God summoned the Israelites to rebuild the temple, He summons us today to elevate His commands above our desires. Through faithful stewardship, we live out His promise: “Prove me now herewith…if I will not open you the windows of heaven” (Malachi 3:10). As we examine our priorities and turn back to God, we not only claim His blessings but also radiate His love to the world, standing as faithful stewards of His grace.

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SELF-REFLECTION

How can I, in my personal devotional life, delve deeper into these stewardship principles, allowing them to reshape my daily priorities and financial habits?

How can we adapt these lessons on obedience and tithing to resonate with diverse audiences, from busy professionals to youth, while upholding scriptural fidelity?

What prevalent misunderstandings about tithing as “legalism” exist in our circles, and how might we counter them compassionately with Bible texts and Sr. White’s insights?

In what tangible steps can our congregations and members embody faithful giving, transforming our communities into vibrant examples of God’s restorative power?