"The Gentiles Are Included, Too."
"For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down,
My name shall be great among the Gentiles;
In every place incense shall be offered to My name,
And a pure offering;
For My name shall be great among the nations,”
Says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11
New Testament Examples of Jesus Ministering to Gentiles:
1. The Woman at the Well (John 4:7-26):
Jesus encountered a Samaritan woman at Jacob's well. Despite cultural norms that prohibited Jews from associating with Samaritans, Jesus engaged her in conversation. He spoke of "living water" that leads to eternal life and revealed his identity as the Messiah. This act of compassion and inclusion highlighted that salvation is for all, regardless of ethnic background.
2. The Syrophoenician Woman (Mark 7:24-30; Matthew 15:21-28):
A Syrophoenician (Canaanite) woman approached Jesus, pleading for her demon-possessed daughter to be healed. Initially, Jesus referenced the cultural priority of His ministry to the Israelites, comparing it to giving children's bread to dogs.
Yet, her faith and persistence moved Jesus to commend her and heal her daughter, demonstrating that faith, not ethnicity, determines inclusion in God's kingdom.
Scripture Showing Gentiles Grafted into the Kingdom:
1. Romans 11:17-24: Paul explains that Gentiles are like wild olive branches grafted into the cultivated olive tree of Israel. This imagery signifies that Gentiles, through faith, share in the blessings and promises given to Israel.
2. Ephesians 2:11-22: Paul writes that Jesus has broken down the dividing wall of hostility, making Gentiles fellow citizens with the saints and members of God's household.
3. Galatians 3:28-29: Paul emphasizes that in Christ, there is neither Jew nor Gentile, and all who belong to Christ are Abraham's seed and heirs according to the promise.
Instances of Disobedience in Zechariah:
1. Zechariah 1:4: The people are reminded of their ancestors' refusal to listen to the former prophets.
2. Zechariah 7:11-12: The Israelites are described as refusing to heed God's words, turning a stubborn shoulder, and stopping their ears from hearing.
3. Zechariah 8:17: The people are admonished not to devise evil in their hearts or love false oaths, indicating past disobedience.
Instances of Disobedience in Malachi BY THE HEBREW CHILDREN:
1. Malachi 1:6-8: Priests are rebuked for offering polluted offerings on God's altar.
2. Malachi 2:8-9: Priests are criticized for causing many to stumble by their instructions and corrupting the covenant.
3. Malachi 2:11: Judah is condemned for marrying the daughter of a foreign god.
4. Malachi 3:8-9: The Israelites are accused of robbing God in tithes and offerings.
After the Israelites dissobedience in Zechariah and Malachi God intruduced that He is "great among the Gentiles." God's perspective shiffted from the Hebrew Children to the Gentiles.
Conclusion:
Malachi 1:11 declares, "For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles." This prophetic declaration signifies a shift where God's grace extends beyond Israel to include all nations. The inclusion of the Gentiles in God's plan is a testament to His boundless love and mercy.
As incense and pure offerings symbolize worship and dedication, so too does this verse invite all people to honor God's great name.
Indeed, His name is exalted among the Gentiles, fulfilling His promise of a global kingdom.
Commentaries on Malachi 1:11:
Dr. J. Vernon McGee: Emphasizes that Malachi speaks of a future time when God's name will be universally honored and revered.
John MacArthur: Notes that the global worship of God in this verse reflects the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan for salvation to reach the ends of the earth.
Dr. Scofield: Highlights the prophetic nature of this passage, pointing to the Messianic kingdom where all nations will worship the Lord.
Matthew Henry: Observes that this verse underscores the universality of God's kingdom, where Gentiles will also offer pure worship.
Warren W. Wiersbe: Interprets this verse as a promise that God's name will be magnified among all peoples, signifying a future time of true worship.
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