Through Malachi, the Lord answers seven arguments from the people of Israel concerning their broken relationship with the Creator of the universe. For the next few weeks, we'll be considering those questions and their implication in our own lives:
Christian worship is not like a birthday party. We've all experienced it to some degree. You open a present that a friend or relative has spent much time choosing and then carefully wrapping so that they can express their appreciation for you. You're excited to see what is inside, but when you do, it is utterly disappointing. Why? They purchased what they wanted and gave it to you. This approach works if one teenage boy is picking out a gift for their buddy, or when one grandmother is selecting a gift for another. This method does not work when grandmothers pick presents for themselves to give to their teenage grandson. As much as boys love their grandmother, they don't like crocheted tablecloths. Here is the difference between a birthday party and a worship service, the boy is required to thank the gift giver and at least act as though it is a fantastic gift; God is bound to no such mandate.
The Lord rebukes the priests, in Malachi 1, for offering unwanted food (Malachi 1:7), blind, sick, and lame animals (Malachi 1:7), and even vain fires (Malachi 1:10). These priests went so far as to say it was a weary thing to bring what God desired for sacrifice (Malachi 1:13, cf. Leviticus 1-5). The things these priests were offering to the blessed and only Sovereign, the King of king, the Lord of lords (1 Timothy 6:15) was so pathetic that even earthly governors would not accept (Malachi 1:8).
Our Father in Heaven said, "I will not accept an offering from your hand." (Malachi 1:10)
What do you offer to God when you walk into the Sunday worship assembly? Is it the bare minimum that you want to give up? Is it the sloppy leftovers of a self-centered weekend? Is it what you would plan a worship service to be if you were the guest of honor?
Whatever it is, God is not required to accept your worship just because you gave it. Let's avoid the danger of "honoring" God as the priests in Malachi 1. Instead, let us worship our Lord in spirit and in truth (John 4:24).
Let your light shine!
Next week: #3 - Why do you not accept our offering? (Malachi 2:14)
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