Malachi 1 — The Priests’ Polluted Offerings
Malachi 2 — The Lord Rebukes the Priests
Thoughts about serving others
This link includes a list of posts about Serving the Least, the Lost, and the Lonely.
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Let the Word evoke words. May your life encourage lives.
We just finished the story of Nehemiah where his return to his job in Susa was met with our ancestors slipping back into sin. Malachi is called to prophesy and speaks primarily to the priests, those responsible for leading the people who have just returned from exile with the blessing of a pagan king.
His message from the Lord Almighty (reiterated numerous times in this short book) and is filled with rhetorical questions for the leaders, the staff, of the church in Jerusalem. “It is you priests who show contempt for my name” (Malachi 1:6), it is we who do that which dishonors the Lord Almighty by not offering our best. God doesn’t demand perfection from us, but he does require integrity. “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord” (1:14). How many times have I cheated the Lord? I read these words and feel great conviction: “I am not pleased with you, ‘says the Lord Almighty,’ and I will accept no offering from your hands” (1:10). This is a hard reading, one I would prefer to skip, but one that convicts me nonetheless. God will do his part, he will fulfill his side of the covenant (2:4-5)–with me or without me.
“You belong to him in body and spirit…so be on your guard, and do not be unfaithful” (2:15, 16). Lord help me to faithfully and completely honor you and your ways. May I lead with integrity. Be patient with your servant, a mere mortal, tossed and torn by a world that doesn’t know you.
Do not cast me from your presence
or take your Holy Spirit from me.
Restore to me the joy of your salvation
and grant me a willing spirit, to sustain me. (Psalm 51:11-2)
For you are my rock and my redeemer. May every thought, word and deed be that which brings you glory and honor.