This Lifeway
article title grabbed my attention: "Our Church Was Robbed Recently."
The story that followed said:
"We
are thankful that no one was injured physically, but it will be some time
before things are back to normal. It's clear that more than one person is
responsible - in fact, there may actually be many people who have been party to
the crime. Two things are most unfortunate about the robbery - one is that we
have no assurances that it won't happen again, and that is a bit unnerving! The
other unfortunate element is that we're certain that those who carried out the
robbery are members of our church. It's bad enough to know that a theft has
occurred, but it's really hard to imagine that professing Christians would
actually steal from God and the ministries of his church. We can certainly hope
that anyone who has participated in this act will repent and repay what has
been taken. It's reported that some of the stolen money has been used for
vacations, cars, boats, designer clothes, athletic equipment, homes, and even
dining out. We don't have a complete list of all the suspects, but there is
consolation in knowing that God does.
"You
haven't read about this in the papers and hopefully you won't. I realize that
some of you will disagree, but it would be difficult to get a conviction in the
courts given the clever way in which the robbery was carried out. You are
probably also interested in how much was taken. The amount is undetermined, but
at the very least exceeds many thousands of dollars.
"By
the way, the robbery happened in full view of the church during Sunday
services. It happened as the offering plates were passed during Sunday school
and worship. It also happened as people who didn't come simply didn't give the
Lord's tithe."
The people in
Malachi's day had treated God badly by robbing from him. As we begin our study of this last Minor prophet ask God to prepare your heart to receive wisdom and instruction on how to give to God. It can change you life and make you more like Jesus.
