Covenant of Life and Peace Malachi 2:5

As the Lord God addressed the priests of Israel through the prophet Malachi, He pointed out their lack of hearing Him and laying what He had to say to heart. Because of their actions, the Lord promised that He would take drastic measures against them such as corrupting their seed and putting dung in their faces so they would be taken out of the sanctuary positions. He also told them His covenant was with the Levites, and they would know His commandments because of this agreement. In chapter two and verse five of Malachi, the Lord continues to share more details of His covenant with Levi where we read:

My covenant was with him of life and peace; and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.

The verse begins, “My covenant was with him of life and peace;” As the Lord continued, we discover some of the particulars of His agreement with Levi. First, this “covenant” or “alliance or pledge” with Levi was one “of life” which means “living, alive, active and reviving”. Secondly, the “covenant” was one of “peace” which means “completeness, soundness, welfare and tranquility”. So far, this sounds like a wonderful life for the Levites to enjoy.

The verse goes on to say, “and I gave them to him for the fear wherewith he feared me, and was afraid before my name.” In order for all of the nation of Israel to “fear” or “reverence” the Lord, God granted to Levi a special measure of reverence by which he would be an example. The tribe of Levi “feared” which means “revered, stood in awe, honored and respected” the Lord, and they were “afraid” which means “to be shattered, dismayed, broken, or abolished” before Him. These traits were given to them by the Lord as an example to the people of Israel, and because they had them, they were also granted “life and peace”.

The promise given to the Levites was one which not only the Israelites were to enjoy, but also everyone who puts their faith and trust in Jesus Christ. Jesus said, “I have come to give you life, and life more abundantly” (John 10:10b). He said in the gospel of John in chapter fourteen and verse twenty-seven, “Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world gives, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” The idea is that Jesus is the source of true life, and He extends “peace” to all who will believe in Him. Though there are many things in this world that can make us afraid, the Lord is greater than them all. When we revere and honor Him, we are given the promises of “life and peace”, and when we consider these great benefits we may wonder why anyone would reject His offer to be their Savior. May the Lord bring us to a greater understanding of the blessings He desires to give to anyone who trust in Him.

Next time we see God speaking about the benefit of His law and truth, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

You Shall Know Malachi 2:4

 

The Lord God of Israel warned the priests concerning not hearing Him and laying to heart what He had to say. The Lord was concerned with their contemptible worship, and if they would not listen to Him, He told them He would “corrupt” their “seed” and “spread dung” upon their faces. In chapter two and verse four of the prophecy of Malachi, we see why the Lord would go to such drastic measures. We read:

And you shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you,

that my covenant might be with Levi, says the LORD of hosts.

The verse begins, “And you shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you,...” Lest there be any doubt among them, “the Lord of hosts” desired that the priest know He “sent this commandment” among them. The “commandment” concerned the tribe of Levi, and the Lord was willing to go to extreme measures to insure they knew His commandment if needed.

The verse goes on to say, “that my covenant might be with Levi, says the LORD of hosts.” This is the “commandment” of which the Lord spoke. His “covenant” which means “alliance, pledge, treaty, league, agreement or constitution” was to “be with Levi” who was the tribe chosen to carry out the temple duties. In the book of Numbers in chapter three and verse twelve we read:

And I, behold, I have taken the Levites from among the children of Israel instead of all the firstborn that opens the matrix among the children of Israel: therefore the Levites shall be mine;

These Levites were chosen to fulfill worship, sacrifices, and offerings to the Lord. Malachi's prophecy reminded them to remember their calling, and it brought to the forefront the Lord's position for the Levites.

Over and over again we have seen Malachi use the phrase, “The Lord of hosts” when the Lord spoke through Him. “The Lord of hosts” or “The Lord of the heavenly angels and spiritual beings” has His order of not only physical but also spiritual things. In the temple at the time of Malachi's prophecy, the Levites were to be in charge, and their contempt for matters of worship, offerings and sacrifices were part of the reason for Malachi's words. The priests or spiritual leaders were being called to remember their positions and alter their attitudes and actions. Perhaps their call will be an inspiration to us to remember our positions of worship, offerings and sacrifices as well. We must always consider the words of the scripture and their meaning and discover how they apply to our own lives, and in this case, we as the Kingdom of Priests for the Lord Jesus Christ, should be stirred to examine what the Lord would say about our commitment to Him.

Next time we see God speaking about His covenant with the tribe of Levi, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Corrupt Seed and Dung Malachi 2:3

As the Lord God addressed the priests of Israel through the prophet Malachi, He told them if they did not hear Him, lay His commandments their hearts, and give glory to Him, He would curse them and their blessings. In chapter two and verse three of Malachi's prophecy we gain more insight into what that curse would be. We read:

Behold, I will corrupt your seed, and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts; and one shall take you away with it.

The verse begins, “Behold, I will corrupt your seed, ...” The first action the Lord would take is to “corrupt” which means “to rebuke or reprove” their “seed” or their “offspring, descendants, posterity, or children”. Whether this refers to the “seed” such as for food or for their posterity, there is no doubt that the Lord will affect a nefarious in their “seed”.

The verse goes on to say, “and spread dung upon your faces, even the dung of your solemn feasts;” The second action the Lord would take against the unheeding priests would be to “spread dung” which refers to the “fecal matter, excrement or offal” of the animals which were offered. Rather than being burned outside the sanctuary as instructed in the law, this “dung” of their “solemn feasts” or “festival, festival-gathering or pilgrim-feast” was going to be “spread” or “scattered and dispersed” upon their “faces”.

Finally the verse says, “and one shall take you away with it.” Because the “dung” of their sacrifices would be rubbed in their faces, they, like the animal sacrifices were done normally, would have someone “take” them “away with it”. In other words, as the animal sacrifices were to be burned outside of the sanctuary, they too would be taken out of the house of worship because of their filthiness.

When we consider the harshness of this reaction from the Lord, we may be a little surprised at His actions against the priests. Let it be known that the Lord is very serious about the manner in which His spiritual leadership represents Him to people. These priests were simply going through the motions without thought and care to what the Lord said and the manner in which their offerings were to be implemented. We can learn from their mistakes, and “Behold” the Lord's reaction to their flimsy approach to spiritual things. May the Lord help us to hear Him, and when we hear Him, let us lay it to our hearts and worship Him with all our heart, soul, mind and strength lest He find us worthy to receive corruption and dung in our faces as well.

Next time we see God speaking about His commandment and the tribe of Levi, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

If You Will Not Malachi 2:2

After directing His attention toward the nation of Israel for their contemptible behavior in worship toward Him, the Lord God through Malachi directed His attention specifically to their spiritual leaders – the priests. In chapter two and verse two we begin to see what the Lord has to say to them where we read:

If you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, says the LORD of hosts, I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings: yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.

The verse begins, “If you will not hear, and if you will not lay it to heart, to give glory unto my name, says the LORD of hosts,” Let us notice first the word “if” where there is implied a “choice” involved. This word “if” might also imply “since” which would make what the Lord has to say all the more emphatic. “The LORD of hosts” calls the priests' attention toward two things. The first was, “if you will not hear” which means “perceive, understand, listen to, yield to, and obey”. The second was “if you will not lay it to heart” or “to put, place, set, appoint, or make it be” within the “inner man, mind, will, heart, and understanding”. Not only were the priests to hear the Lord, but they were also to understand Him deep within their souls. The result of doing so would be “to give glory unto my name” which is where all “honor, abundance, riches, splendor, and reputation” should be directed.

The verse goes on to say, “I will even send a curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings:” After giving the priests of Israel opportunity to hear and lay to heart the Lord's words, God shares the consequences that will be the result of their insolence. First, He will “send a curse” upon them which means “a denunciation, damning or anathema”. Secondly, He “will curse” their “blessing” which refers to their “prosperity, gifts, invocation of good, and benediction of righteousness” from God. It was the Lord who sends “blessings” upon them, and because of their contempt in worship, the Lord would replace “blessings” with a “curse”.

Finally the verse says, “ yes, I have cursed them already, because you do not lay it to heart.” As though to add to His comments to the priests of Israel, the Lord told them “I have cursed them already” which means “to set, ordain, establish, found, appoint, constitute, make, determine, or fix”. The Lord already began to fulfill His promise of putting a “curse” upon them because they “do not lay it to heart”.

As we think over these words as recorded by Malachi, we cannot help but examine our own behavior toward worship of the Lord. Do we “hear” “the Lord of hosts”? Do we “lay His words to heart” deep within us? Are we going through the motions when we worship Him, or are we fully listening and obeying Him within our very souls? No doubt we might take a position of spectator in this portion of Malachi's prophecy, however it will benefit us greatly to act as though we are the ones to whom he writes. May the Lord help us to “hear” and obey Him as we are challenged by His word.

Next time we see more of God's warning to the priests if they do not listen to Him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

O You Priests Malachi 2:1

When we read the Bible, we should remember that the chapters and verses were added by scholars long ago to make it easier for us to locate particular verses, passages and stories within the scriptures. In their original form they are often continual and without the breaks into chapters as we see in the Bible today. In chapter two and verse one of Malachi, the prophet continues the Lord's words to Israel concerning the contemptible way they worshiped Him by addressing the spiritual leadership – the priests – where we read:

And now, O you priests, this commandment is for you.

The verse begins, “And now, O you priests,...” This verse contains two Hebrew words in the original writing, “kohen mitsvah” of which the first one, “kohen” means “priest, principal officer or chief ruler”. The Lord turned His attention toward those who were supposed to be leading the people of Israel in worship. The people were following the pathways of this spiritual leadership, and these rulers were ultimately the ones responsible for the way the people observed worship.

The verse goes on to say, “this commandment is for you.” The second Hebrew word used in this verse is “mitsvah” which means “command, precept or prohibition”. We can almost visualize the Lord saying, “Priests command” in a determined manner as He prepared to addressed the spiritual leadership of Israel. Whenever the Lord speaks directly to a person or group in the Bible, they should concern themselves greatly with what He has to say.

Of course, we will have to learn next time what the Lord has to say to the priests, but as we ponder these words, let us put our names in the place of the “priests”. What if the Lord were to say our name and then “command” or prepare yourselves for what is about to be said. Let us stand in attention as we wait with baited breath for what the Lord might say to all who will hear Him.

Next time we see God's warning to the priests if they do not listen to Him, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Cursed Deceiver Malachi 1:14

Worship of the Lord God became “weariness” to Israel, and they “snuffed” at it as well. Though they were to be a people who worshiped the Lord with the best of sacrifices and offerings, they gave moldy bread and sickly animals instead. Their contempt for worship was noticed by the Lord, and in verse fourteen of the first chapter of Malachi, the prophet shares the curse that is spoken against the ones who conduct themselves in such a manner as this. We read:

But cursed be the deceiver, which has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.

The verse begins, “But cursed be the deceiver, which has in his flock a male, and vows, and sacrifices unto the Lord a corrupt thing:” There were consequences to the behaviors and attitudes of those who worshiped the Lord with such contempt. The Lord said, “But cursed” or “to put a curse upon, to curse and abhor” “be the deceiver” which is a person who is “crafty, knavish, or with guile”. This person “has in his flock a male” which refers to a male animal as instructed within the law, “and vows” which is a “voluntary promise to give or do something”, “and sacrifices unto the Lord a corrupt thing” or “slaughters or kills a marred, spoiled, injured, ruined or rotted” animal. Rather than being obedient to the law and offering their best animals, this “deceiver” only pretended to offer his best sacrifices to the Lord.

The verse goes on to say, “for I am a great King, says the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.” After cursing anyone who would attempt to deceive Him, “the LORD of hosts” declares two traits about Himself. First, “I am a great King” which means He is a “distinguished and important” “King” or ultimate ruler. Secondly, He declared, “my name is dreadful” or “reputation, fame and glory” is “feared, revered, and made to be afraid” “among the heathen” or Gentile nations of the world. God told the nation of Israel, because of their rejection of Him, He would turn His attention toward the Gentiles, and these “heathen” nations revered the reputation, fame and glory of the Lord.

As we ponder the words of the prophet Malachi, do we ever give less than our best unto the Lord? Do we ever with pretense act as though we are offering all we have but really we are only acting as a “deceiver” before Him? There are consequences to our actions and activities before the Lord just as there were to the nation of Israel. As we read these words of Malachi hopefully we are gaining insight into what is pleasing to the Lord and what is not. Rather than being people who might come under a curse for contemptible worship, let us learn from the poor example of the nation of Israel and worship the Lord with all our might in Spirit and in truth.

Next time we begin a new chapter and see Malachi direct his attention toward the priests, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Weariness of Worship Malachi 1:13

The prophet Malachi recored the words of the Lord to the nation of Israel and began by sharing God's love for them. Although the Lord did love them, He found that they were offering their sacrifices of worship to Him with contempt. Over and over throughout the first chapter of this book, “The LORD of hosts” has mentioned specific examples of their meaningless worship and their lack within the times of offerings. Their actions turned the Lord to the Gentile nations, and in chapter one and verse thirteen of chapter one Malachi records more of the Lord's words as He tells the Israelites they have made worship “weariness” where we read:

You said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and you have snuffed at it, says the LORD of hosts; and you brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus you brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? says the LORD.

The verse begins, “You said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and you have snuffed at it, says the LORD of hosts;” “The LORD of hosts” points out first the words of the people of Israel - “Behold what a weariness” or “toil and hardship” is the worship of the Lord. Rather than being a joy and celebration, the people felt worship of the Lord to be a drudgery and boredom. They also “snuffed” at the worship times which means “blow away, breathe harshly or disperse by snorting or blowing”. If we use our imaginations we can almost visualize their snorting in disgust at the idea of offering and sacrificing to the Lord.

The verse goes on to say, “and you brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick;” Not only did the people say the worship was weary and snuffed at it, but once again we are reminded that they brought animals to sacrifice which were “torn” which is “wounded or galled”, “lame” or “unable to walk”, and “the sick” or “weak and diseased”. Rather than bring the best of their animals to sacrifice as instructed in the law, the people of Israel brought animals that not even they desired to have any longer.

Finally the verse says, “should I accept this of your hand? says the LORD.” God's question to them was whether He should accept this sort of offering or not. The implication is that their offerings and sacrifices are rejected, and though they may have thought this mindless activity was benefiting them, they were actually hurting themselves by this sort of contemptible behavior.

Has worship become “weariness” to us? Is it a drudgery to go to church, sing worship songs, or to hear the word of God spoken? Is our giving and service done with thoughtless methods that have no true felt best for the Lord in mind? Do we “snuff” at the worship services or the efforts of others who commit themselves to the service of the Lord? Perhaps as we think upon the children of Israel and their contempt for the offerings to God we will hear the Lord ask us, “should I accept this of your hand?”, and when He asks the question, may He find us truly worshiping Him in Spirit and in Truth.

Next time Malachi writes concerning the curse who worshiped in weary, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Lord's Table Profaned Malachi 1:12

The people of Israel made their sacrifices within the temple with contempt as they brought moldy bread and unfit animals to offer to the Lord. This lack of concern for the worship of God turned the Lord to the Gentile nations to find a people who would make great the name of the Lord. In chapter one and verse twelve of Malachi, the prophet shares more of God's words to the people of Israel as they profaned and polluted the table of the Lord. We read:

But you have profaned it, in that you say, The table of the LORD is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.

The verse begins, “But you have profaned it, in that you say, The table of the LORD is polluted;” Rather than be as the Gentiles who honored the name of the Lord, the nation of Israel “profaned” or “defiled, polluted, laid open and desecrated” it. They did so by making a statement with their actions that “The table of the LORD” which refers to “the altar of the Lord” “is polluted” or “defiled, stained, made impure and unclean”. The nations around the world were honoring the Lord and worshiping Him with respect and regard, but the Israelites were simply going through the motions.

The verse goes on to say, “and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.” The manner in which the people of Israel polluted “The table of the LORD” was in the “fruit” or “produce” and the “meat” or “corn, grain or meal” which they offered to the Lord. God told them their sacrifice “is contemptible” which means “despised, disdained, despicable, and worthless” to Him. As though one time was not enough for the Lord to share this complaint of them, He repeated this idea to the people of Israel that He already shared in verse seven of this chapter.

When we consider the words of the Lord to the people of Israel, it does us well to be reminded that He said these things twice to them. Whenever we see the Lord say something twice we should pay particular attention to what He declares. In this case, the children of Israel were polluting “the table of the Lord” by not giving their best to Him when they made their offerings to Him. Do we do the same? Are there times when we do not give our best to Him? Is there any “contempt” within us as we worship the Lord? The wonderful aspect to studying through the Bible is that we have the opportunities to examine our own lives in light of what the Lord says to others. As we ponder these words may the Lord not only bring conviction and change to our ways of worship, but also help us to worship Him in the holy manner in which He is worthy.

Next time Malachi writes concerning the weariness that Israel had toward the offerings to the Lord, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

God's Name Great Among Gentiles Malachi 1:11

The people of Israel were told about their contempt for the sacrifices and offerings to the Lord through the prophet Malachi. Rather than offering their best to worship Him, the people brought moldy bread and sickly animals. In other words, they were going through the motions in worship and not engaging the Lord with all their hearts and minds. In chapter one and verse eleven of Malachi's prophecy the Lord shared how their lack of service will be the impetus for His name being great among the Gentiles. We read:

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.

The verse begins, “For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles;” The Lord refused the offerings of the Israelites and told them He had no pleasure in them, and this was the forward to His next thought - “For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same...” or “from sunrise to sunset” “my name shall be great among the Gentiles;” which means God's “reputation, fame and glory” will be “favored or made important” among the “nations” who were not Israelites.

The verse goes on to say, “ and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering:” Not only will God's name be favored and exalted among the Gentile nations, but “in every place” which means throughout the world and in every “city, region or land” “incense” which means “to sacrifice, burn incense, burn sacrifices, or make sacrifices smoke” “shall be offered to my name”. Though the Israelites offered routine and contemptible sacrifices, the Lord will have people throughout the world who will bring Him “a pure offering” which is “a clean gift, tribute, present, oblation, sacrifice, or meat offering”.

Finally the verse says, “ for my name shall be great among the heathen, says the LORD of hosts.” “The Lord of hosts” declared for the second time in this verse is that His “name shall be great” or “exalted, favored and highly esteemed” “among the heathen” which is the same word used for “Gentiles”. Because Israel would not worship the Lord with the honor, respect and awe He deserved, the Lord turned His attention to others who were spread throughout the world who would exalt His name.

If we were examined for our manner of worship to the Lord, would we be replaced by others? Basically the Lord told the people of Israel if they would not worship and favor His name, there were other people throughout the world who would. If we think about this for a while perhaps it will provoke us to jealousy and cause us to examine the manner in which we worship the Lord. Lest we be replaced by others who will make “the name of the Lord great”, let us worship and serve the Lord with all our heart, soul, mind and strength, and may the name of the Lord be exalted forever. Amen.

Next time Malachi writes concerning contrast between the children of Israel and the Gentiles concerning their worship of the Lord, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Lord's Offering Refusal Malachi 1:10

As Malachi the prophet continued to share the word of the Lord, he wrote to the children of Israel concerning their contemptible offerings and poor sacrifices. He challenged them to bring those sacrifices to their governor and examine his pleasure with them, and he wondered if they thought the Lord would be gracious because of their lack as well. In chapter one and verse ten of Malachi's prophecy, the Lord questions even their method of offerings and shares His displeasure with them. We read:

Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nothing? neither do you kindle fire on mine altar for nothing. I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.

The verse begins, “Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nothing?” The Lord's question to Israel is “Who is there” or “Isn't there anyone” with them who would “shut the doors” of the temple “for nothing” or “without pay”? The condition of the hearts and minds of those who cared for the temple of the Lord was a desire to be compensated for all they did. God's idea was since nothing was going on in sincerity within the offering process, they should shut the doors of the temple.

The verse continues, “neither do you kindle fire on mine altar for nothing.” A second area of offering preparation was when they “kindle fire” upon the altar. There was also an expectation of compensation for this activity from the priests. Once again the inference is that it would be better that they not kindle a fire at all because of their contempt for holy things.

The verse goes on to say, “I have no pleasure in you, says the LORD of hosts,...” Without holding back or mincing any words, “the LORD of hosts” told them, “I have no pleasure in you” which means “no delight” in them at all. Because they regarded the sacrifices of the Lord with little concern and contemptible behavior, the Lord would “have no pleasure” in them at all.

Finally the verse says, “neither will I accept an offering at your hand.” In addition to not having pleasure in them, the Lord also rejected their “offering”. Even though the people went through the motions, looked as though they were worshiping, and played the role of worshipers of God, their hearts and minds were far from the Lord and He would not “accept” or “be pleased with or be favorable to” their offerings.

Worship of the Lord was so routine and mundane for the Israelites that they carelessly and flippantly went through the motions of worshiping God, however there was no heart within their activities. The Lord basically told them if this was the way their worship was going to be, they were better off closing the doors and not kindling a fire for the sacrifices. Thoughtless and meaningless worship wasn't worship at all, and those who worshiped in this manner would be better off not attempting anything. Their offerings were not accepted by the Lord, and they certainly didn't please Him. As we ponder these things, perhaps it will help us to examine how we worship the Lord. Would He be pleased with our worship? Would He accept our offerings of praise? Are our hearts and minds engaged as we have opportunities to bring our sacrifices of service and devotion to Him? May the Lord help us to know when we stray from fully engaging ourselves in worshipping Him, and may He not only have pleasure in our worship, but also receive any offering we give to Him.

Next time Malachi writes concerning the Gentiles and their worship of the Lord, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Will God Regard You Malachi 1:9

After telling the people of Israel that they despised and dishonored His name, the LORD God told them how they had done so – they polluted His altar with poor offerings. Instead of offering their best animal sacrifices and bread to the Lord, they offered blind, lame and sick animals and bread that was moldy. God questioned them as to whether they would offer those sacrifices to their governor, and in verse nine of chapter one, the Lord appeals to their common sense by asking:

And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this has been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts.

The verse begins, “And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us:” Malachi recorded God's charge to the people by writing, “And now, I pray you, beseech God” which literally means to “make your presence or face weak, sick or diseased before God” and “ask God that he will be gracious” or “show favor and pity” “unto us”. The idea is that after considering whether they would offer such poor sacrifices to their governor, do they really think that God will be gracious to them?

The verse goes on to say, “this has been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the LORD of hosts.” The Lord continued his questioning by making this statement - “this has been your means” or literally your “hand”, and it refers to the offering works of their own hands. “The LORD of hosts” once again asked, “will he regard your persons” or “to lift, bear up, carry, or take your faces”. In other words, because they have been so contemptible in their offerings do they believe that God will lift them out or deliver them from their difficulties and troubles and in times when their faces are downcast?

The people of Israel were questioned for the content and manner in which they brought sacrifices to the LORD. It was as though their hearts and minds were not really engaged in the worship of God, and although they continued to go through the motions, worship was nothing more than mundane and routine ritual. When we ponder Israel's condition, would we be questioned by God for our offerings of late? Has going to church, reading our Bibles, giving, testimony and prayer become as “poor offerings” before the Lord, or are we fully engaged with our best before Him at all times? As we consider these things, may the Lord bring to our minds times when we slack in our worship of Him, and may we adore Him with all our might so He will be gracious to us and lift our faces in our time of need.

Next time Malachi tells of God's displeasure with Israel, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Poor Offerings Malachi 1:8

The nation of Israel could not understand where they despised and dishonored the name of the Lord. The Lord told them they said, “The table of the Lord is contemptible” as they offered “polluted bread” as sacrifices to Him. In chapter one and verse eight of his prophesy Malachi continued the Lord's description of how the people of Israel offered poor offerings to Him. We read:

And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto your governor; will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? says the LORD of hosts.

The verse begins, “And if you offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if you offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?” Apparently those who offered sacrifices for Israel were bringing “blind”, “lame” and “sick” animals as offerings unto the Lord. Rather than selecting the best of the animals for a sacrifice as instructed in the law, those who offered them would choose animals with flaws. The Lord's question for these sacrifices was, “is it not evil” which means “bad, disagreeable, malignant, or unpleasant”. Though the Israelites were going through the routine of offerings, they were not putting forth the effort to insure they gave their best to the Lord.

The verse continues, “offer it now unto your governor; will he be pleased with you, or accept your person? says the LORD of hosts.” As a challenge to those who made these offerings, the Lord told them to “offer” which means “to come near, approach, enter into, or draw near” “it now unto your governor” who was their earthly lord and ruler. God's first question to them was, “will he be pleased with you”or “be favorable to, accept favorably” to you? The obvious answer to this question is “no”, and the Lord continued, “or accept your person” which means “lift up or exalt your face”. Once again we are brought to the rhetorical answer “no”, and let us be reminded again of who is making this statement, “the LORD of hosts”.

As we think about these questions and statements from the Lord, let us use our imaginations and picture the flailed sacrifices which were being offered by Israel. Blind sheep, lame oxen, sick cattle and basically the worst of the worse of the sacrificial animals were being offered to the Lord by them. What if we were to sit down at a meal to eat and had the worst of bread, meat and other foods as our dinner? Would we be pleased? Would we offer a poor meal to our Governor or leadership within our country? The Lord pointed out Israel's flaw in worship, and because they did not care to find their best for Him, they were looking upon the Lord and His altar with condescension. Let us allow the Holy Spirit to show us areas where we are disregarding the altar of the Lord with contempt, and when He points out our poor offerings may we change our ways and seek to worship Him as “the LORD of hosts” whom He is.

Next time Malachi brings another question to his readers, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow...there is more...

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, www.amazon.com ; www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.