Malachi 3:6-7 Part 2 of 2

"I am the LORD, and I do not change. That is why you descendants of Jacob are not already destroyed. Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them. Now return to me, and I will return to you," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies.

"But you ask, 'How can we return when we have never gone away?' "

 

"Ever since the days of your ancestors, you have scorned my decrees and failed to obey them."

Exodus 32:8  "How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live! They have melted down gold and made a calf, and they have bowed down and sacrificed to it. They are saying, 'These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.' " (see verses 1-14)

Jeremiah 7:26  "But my people have not listened to me or even tried to hear. They have been stubborn and sinful--even worse than their ancestors." (see verses 16-29)

Acts 7:51  "You stubborn people! You are heathen at heart and deaf to the truth. Must you forever resist the Holy Spirit? That's what your ancestors did, and so do you." (see verses 37-60)

 

"Now turn to me," 

Isaiah 44:21-22 

        "Pay attention, O Jacob,

            for you are my servant, O Israel.

        I, the LORD, made you,

            and I will not forget you.

        I have swept away your sins like a cloud.

            I have shattered your offenses like the morning mist.

        Oh, return to me,

            for I have paid the price to set you free." (see verses 21-28)

Ezekiel 18:30-32  "Therefore, I will judge each of you, O people of Israel, according to your actions, says the Sovereign LORD. Repent, and turn from your sins. Don't let them destroy you! Put all your rebellion behind you, and find yourselves a new heart and a new spirit. For why should you die, O people of Israel? I don't want you to die, says the Sovereign LORD. Turn back and live!" (see verses 23-32)

"and I will return to you," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. 

Zechariah 1:2-4  "I, the LORD, was very angry with your ancestors. Therefore, say to the people, 'This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD of Heaven's Armies.' Don't be like your ancestors who would not listen or pay attention when the earlier prophets said to them, 'This is what the LORD of Heaven's Armies says: Turn from your evil ways, and stop all your evil practices.' " (see verses 1-6)

Malachi 3:17  "They will be my people," says the LORD of Heaven's Armies. "On the day when I act in judgment, they will be my own special treasure. I will spare them as a father spares an obedient child." (see verses 16-18)

James 4:8  Come close to God, and God will come close to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, purify your hearts, for your loyalty is divided between God and the world. (see all chapter 4)

 

(parentheses are mine)

 

Scripture quotations are taken from the Holy Bible, New Living Translation, copyright ©1996, 2004, 2015 by Tyndale House Foundation. Used by permission of Tyndale House Publishers, Carol Stream, Illinois 60188. All rights reserved. Limited to 15 verses per post.