In the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi the prophet addresses sin in the priesthood. 
In their sacrifices, they were offering up ‘defiled food.’ By law, a pure animal was required, but instead they were giving God the blind, the sick and the lame. Their sacrifices were useless (vs 10). But what about us today? Are we acting as stewards who offer the best…or are we giving God what we reject?
A steward is one who is trusted to complete or over see a specific task. A good steward is one who works to the best of his or her ability. Good employees honor their employer. The life of a good steward is one that honors God. Sunday morning we’ll consider our stewardship and whether we’re honoring God or just offering up some ‘lame’ excuse for work.
“…I will sing with the spirit and I will sing with the mind also.”
I Corinthians 14:15
Sunday morning, July 20, 2014
The following songs are found in the hymnal, Songs of Faith & Praise.
“I Know That My Redeemer Lives” – 528
We’ve sung this spiritual song for years (over 100 years to be exact), but do you ‘know’ how many times you sing the words, ‘I know…?’ Singing all four verses and the chorus only once you’ll repeat this short, two-word phrase 11 times. If you consider the echo, 16 times. Is that important? Why the repetition? Who cares? Those who believe in Christ and have given their life in His service (stewards), won’t shy away from proclaiming their allegiance. With bold confidence they will repeat, “I know, I know that my Redeemer lives!”
“Higher Ground” – no book
Where are you heading and how eager are you to get there? This old song was rewritten by Ken Young in the late 80’s and inspires us as we press on to heaven. The men join in on the second verse with a thunderous echo; “Heart has no desire to stay where doubts arise and fears dismay. Tho some may dwell where these abound, my prayer, my aim is higher ground.”
“Night with Ebon Pinion” – no book
A haunting melody comes from this old spiritual psalm as we consider the night Jesus was betrayed. The beauty of the scripture is sung as we open up the 3rd verse. Notice the words of Christ in Mark 14:36, “Abba! Father! All things are possible for You; remove this cup from Me; yet not what I will, but what You will.” Now consider these words as we sing;“Abba, Father, Father, if indeed it may, let this cup of anguish pass from Me, I pray; but if it must be suffered, by Me, Thine only Son, Abba, Father, Father, let Thy will be done.”
“How Great Thou Art” – 76
The chorus of this great, classic hymn will follow the Lord’s Supper. Then, for emphasis, we’ll sing just the 3rd verse; “And when I think that God, His Son not sparing, sent Him to die, I scarce can take it in; that on the cross, my burden gladly bearing, He bled and died to take away my sin…How great Thou art!”
“Soldier’s of Christ, Arise” – 647
A solider is a servant! He is called to be faithful in service to his country and his ‘King.’ But what kind of servant will he be? Will he be one who sits back and waits for battle, or one who is constantly preparing himself for war? As soldier’s (steward’s) of Christ, we must get up and get ready to defend our faith. Only then will we over come through Christ and stand entire (complete) at last.
“Trust and Obey” – 915
How do you know if you are truly being a good steward in the Kingdom? Malachi was chastising the priest in chapter 1 because they were offering defective sacrifices. They were giving God the rejected portions of their flock. When you give to God, what are you willing to sacrifice? Verse three of our invitation song challenges us; “But we never can prove (we will never be) the delights of His love until all on the altar we lay…” So what are you laying on the altar before God?
“We Give Thee But Thine Own” – 663
As the collection plate is being passed consider what you’re putting in. What are you ‘placing on the altar?’ You will hear the words, and hopefully you’ll sing the song, but will you give to God what belongs to Him; “…whatever the gift may be; all that we have is Thine (His) alone, a trust (responsibility) O Lord, from Thee. May we Thy bounties thus as stewards true receive (thankfully accept His blessings), and gladly, as Thou blessed us, to Thee our first fruits give.” Are we honoring God by giving Him our first fruits (best), or are we guilty of giving only what we don’t want?
“When We All Get to Heaven” – 853
Closing our service time together, we sing about heaven. But we must live a life that is ‘…true and faithful, trusting, serving EVERY DAY…’ Being a faithful servant, and demonstrating the traits of a good steward will lead us to the throne of God, where we can sing and shout the victory!
