[:en]SCRIPTURE: MALACHI 1
INTRODUCTION:
The name “MALACHI” means “my messenger”. Malachi ministered about four centuries before Christ. He lived during the second half of the 5th century B.C. after the temple had been rebuilt. The people were backslidden. The priests were worldly and the nation was far from God. Their religious life was not in good condition because they married foreign women and failed to obey God’s command.
Malachi’s concern was Israeliete’s relationship to God. Their love for God was doubtful because they despised God’s name and profaned His covenant. The content of this book includes God’s love for Israel, Israel unfaithfulness to God and God’s judgment for evil doers.
“ My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,” says the Lord Almighty” (Malachi 1:11)
“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. For I am a great king,” says the Lord Almighty, “and my name is to be feared among the nations” (Malachi 1:14)
God mentioned “my name” five times (vs. 6, 11, 14). He values His name and wants it to be honored and respected. He said: “For I am a great king and my name is to be feared among the nations” (v.14)
But the priests despised His name. They offered stolen and defective animals as sacrifice to the Lord. The people questioned His love and blamed their situation on God. They did not realize their sins was the source of their problem.
How do we despise His name?
- When we do His work in a careless manner.
- When we offer Him less than our best
- When we live an unholy life.
Let us examine ourselves. Have we despised His name?
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