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"I have loved you"

Text: Malachi 1:2

THE LOVE OF GOD

Israel had not always understood the love of God! In fact, the nation had often misunderstood the affection of God!

“‘I have loved you,’ says the LORD.
‘Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’
Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?’
Says the LORD.
‘Yet Jacob I have loved.'”
Malachi 1:2

1. “I have loved you,” says the LORD

a) There is no question about God’s love.

b) The expressions of God’s love for the nation couldn’t be clearer.

c) This message of love had been communicated:

i) In word

ii) In deed

iii) Repeatedly

2. “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?'”

a) Israel challenged this word from God.

b) They asked how God had shown His love to the nation!

i) This was just plain rude.

ii) It displayed ignorance.

iii) It also indicated a very strained relationship with the LORD.

3. “‘Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?’ Says the LORD. ‘Yet Jacob I have loved.'”

a) God patiently answered Israel.

b) God’s love was evidenced in His dealings with Jacob.

i) God had shown great love to Jacob though he was totally undeserving.

ii) God also loved Esau. But in comparison, it seemed as if God hated Esau.