God's Agenda for The Church

God's Dream for the World

"For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts." (Mal. 1:11)

The Lord has struck my heart lately with this phrase. Generally as I return from travel the Lord taps me on the shoulder inviting me to sign up again for His mission. This time, He brought me to this passage. In this passage alone God's agenda is clarified, “he set forth in Christ as a plan for the fullness of time, to unite all things in him, things in heaven and things on earth.” (Eph. 1:9-10)

There are 4 key themes in God's prophetic declaration through Malachi that is moving my heart in a fresh way.

1. Global Worship: This verse highlights the future where God's name will be revered across the world, not just in Israel. God uses the phrase "from the rising of the sun even to its setting" which points the global and multi-generational extent of worship, covering the entire world from east to west. This reflects God's intention for all nations to pray to and worship Him.

2. Prophetic Fulfillment: Malachi 1:11 is a prophetic declaration of the spread of the Gospel, where the knowledge and worship of God will extend to all corners of the earth, “among the nations,” “in every place.” This is fulfilled through the mission of the Church and the spread of the gospel of the Kingdom, as believers from all nations offer worship and honor to God. Jesus prophesied this same declaration, “And this gospel of the kingdom will be proclaimed throughout the whole world as a testimony to all nations, and then the end will come.” (Matt. 24:14)

3. Spiritual Sacrifices: The reference to incense and pure offerings symbolizes spiritual worship that is pleasing to God. In the New Testament context, these offerings are understood as the prayers, praise, and righteous deeds of believers, offered in sincere devotion to God. It brought my heart to the Scripture in the book of Revelation that states, “And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.” (Rev. 5:8)

4. God’s Sovereignty: God's agenda for the world is sovereign. Despite Israel's failings, God’s purpose to be glorified among the nations will be accomplished. It’s a reminder that God’s plans are far-reaching and cannot be hindered by human limitations.

This is God's agenda set forth in Christ and being fulfilled through Him in Church throughout the world. We must stand in awe at His plan once again and hear God's call, “Whom shall I send, and who will go for us?” The question is will we say, “Here I am! Send me.”