SCRIPTURE: MALACHI 1
INTRODUCTION:
Malachi means “My Messenger”. Malachi lived after the temple had been rebuilt. He was concerned about the religious life of the Jews who did not have good relationship with God. The people were backslidden, the priests were worldly and the nation failed to give God what they should have. In his messages, he reminded the Jews of the following sins: (1)-Contempt for God’s name; (2)-Offering defiled sacrifices; (3)-Leading others to sin; (4)-Breaking God’s laws; (5)-Keeping Lord’s tithes and offerings; (6)-Arrogance. His picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness showed the people of the impending punishment but at the same time gave them message of hope and forgiveness.
JACOB LOVED, ESAU HATED (vs. 2-5)
The Lord told Malachi that He loved Jacob but hated Esau. He had left the inheritance of Esau to the desert jackals. Even if Edom will rebuild, God will demolish. They will be called the Wicked Land.
BLEMISHED SACRIFICES (vs. 6-14)
The priests were offering blind, crippled, injured or diseased animals to the Lord. The Lord would not accept them. The Lord Almighty is a great King. His name is to be feared among the nations. Therefore He would never accept blemished animals sacrificed to Him.
THOUGHT:
HOW DID THE PEOPLE OF ISRAEL DESPISE GOD’S NAME?
- When they were facing tough times, they questioned His love. (vs. 1-5)
- They disrespected God by placing defiled food on the altar. (v. 7)
- They considered a burden to offer Him the best. (vs. 12-14)
The priests and nation’s leaders had fallen away from God. Worshiping God was considered a burdensome job for the priests. They allowed people to offer imperfect sacrifices, so God was greatly displeased. If we give God our leftover time, money and efforts, we are also dishonoring Him because we do not bring valuable things to God. What we give God reflects our true attitude towards Him.