MALACHI 3:12

“‘All the nations will call you blessed, for you will be a delightful land,’ says the LORD of armies.”

I can hear it now. I have heard people say about someone else, “Oh, she’s (or he’s) such a delight.” What do they mean by that? Well, they mean they are nice to be around. They are pleasant to talk to. They make you smile when you are around them. Shouldn’t that be the motive for all of us – to be a delight. We should let “delight” pour out of every pore.

The Lord is restating His promise to the people. You see the land and the people were synonymous. Albert Barnes says this, “The land stands for the people upon it, in whom its characteristics lay.” Why do you think the conquering nations allowed the people to flourish there? Because they had heard of the promises of their God – that through them all the nations of the earth would be blessed. So, if the people were blessed, the land would be also, and that blessing would carry on down to them.

APPLICATION

 In Isaiah 62:2-4 we see similar words from another prophet. “2 The nations will see your righteousness, and all kings your glory; and you will be called by a new name which the mouth of the LORD will designate. 3 You will also be a crown of beauty in the hand of the LORD, and a royal headband in the hand of your God. 4 It will no longer be said to you, ‘Forsaken,’ nor to your land will it any longer be said, ‘Desolate’; but you will be called, ‘My delight is in her, and your land, ‘Married; for the LORD delights in you, and to Him your land will be married.”

It is obvious from Malachi and Isaiah that the Lord wanted Israel to be blessed. Let’s jump to 2023. Is the land of Israel blessed today? I think so. They are a rich, fertile country. They are the envy of all the surrounding nations. They are a free people. I believe Israel is still the Lord’s delight, but they are lacking one thing – a love for Jesus. Sure, there are some believers there, but Christianity is a small minority.

Would you join with me this Christmas season in not only praying for the peace of Israel, but also that each person there would find true peace in Jesus? He is the only solution for the turmoil going on right now. Jesus is the One who bring all sides together in love. Is that too big of a thing to ask? I don’t think so. Pray big!

Father, bring Your Son, the true Peace, to Your delight. Let Israel experience revival.