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(Cont. from Page 832).

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MALACHI. (Continued).

(CH 3:9,10 cont.) In these verses we can appreciate what the "tenth parts" represent. For we are not living in the 'shadow' of the reality (such as the sacred observances given in the law through Moses), but in the period of its reality, its fulfilment. Spiritual "food", along with its true understandings, is conveyed by Holy Spirit. Obviously, the priests are not being told to go to some literal place to bring to a storehouse of God money or other gifts to feed and keep the priesthood (especially not those who have been acting cunningly). His "house" and His "food" are spiritual. Therefore, as the "tenth parts" contain the spiritual "food" of God for His "storehouse", these "offerings" can only be through wholesouled Spirit anointed taught sons of God. Only when these instructions from Jehovah are obediently carried out among all those representing Him will He open the floodgates of heavenly blessings until there is no more want. These explanations of the book of Malachi are only a fraction of a "tenth part" contribution.

(V.11, 12) Only when these priests are made to cease robbing Jehovah in the "tenth parts" and in the "contributions" from Christ's anointed brothers will He rebuke all spirit opposition to those that carry His spiritual instructions. He will terminate this world's systems, replacing them with a "new earth" of righteous inhabitants, through whom He will express His disapproval of those that worked to destroy His spiritual "land". Hence, those of the true "vine" in the "new (spirit) heavens" will bear righteous "fruitage". Other nations will then 'see' and declare "Israel" a happy nation. (1 Cor 3:16,17. 2 Cor 6:16).

(V.13-18) The priests referred to in these verses claimed there was no value in serving God and were walking dejectedly on this account. They even pronounced presumptuous people happy. Further, they alleged that wicked ones prospered and escaped the judgement of God. However, a record has been kept before Jehovah of those still fearing Him and thinking upon His Name. This record excludes these murmurers, and refers to a future time when faithful ones will be remembered as His special property, and the distinction clearly seen between those serving Him and those that did serve only for personal gain.

(CH 4:1-3) The Day of Jehovah will eliminate presumptuous ones and those acting wickedly, leaving them no posterity. But those that fear Him and obey His instructions will be healed through living righteously. In that day the righteous will tread down the wicked as God acts against them.

(V.4-6) These last verses are the key to the future (present-day) explanations of the prophecy through Malachi. To benefit from them, we need to understand the following:

(1) The reason why our God has sent the Spirit of Elijah now, before the great and
fear-inspiring day of Jehovah.

(2) How the law given to Moses is connected.

(3) How "Elijah" today must turn the hearts of fathers back toward sons and the hearts of sons
back toward fathers to forestall the banning of the earth to destruction by Jehovah.

BENEFICIAL REASONING:
(1) The Spirit of Elijah has provided mankind with advance knowledge, particularly regarding his continuing contest against "foreign god" worship in spiritual "Israel"; knowledge that will be made manifest to people today, in its modern-day fulfilments.

(2) By remembering and applying in our lives the spirit principles that are derived from the laws given to Moses for the Jews, we the Gentiles benefit; as many of the old covenant laws still apply. But Christ made its punishments obsolete.

(3) Revelation 2:20 is another advance warning, conveying who in the "Lord's day" would teach and try to mislead Jehovah's anointed slaves so that the hearts of fathers and sons would not be reconciled as to the Lord. Warning: "That woman Jezebel" and her "children" are to be destroyed, along with those committing spirit fornication with her (advocating "her"). Therefore, it is not for nothing that Jehovah has said He would send "Elijah".

(Cont. on Page 834).

5/2/78.