You are offering improper sacrifices on my altar, yet you ask, ‘How have we offended you?’ By treating the table of the Lord as if it is of no importance.
Into the Text
We come to the end of the Old Testament. Malachi lived 100 years after the Israelites returned from exile. And while Haggai saw a promising future as the people agreed to live wholeheartedly to God, Malachi didn’t seen any encouraging progress.
Once again, one of the biggest problems of the day was the state of the people’s hearts. They were merely going through the motions of religion, offering God subpar sacrifices and performing religious duties as if they were insignificant. They were eagerly awaiting God to fulfill His promises, like sending the Messiah. However, it seemed as if God wasn’t coming through, so the people became discouraged. Giving their best to God felt like a chore or nuisance, which deeply offended Him. Despite God’s constant provision, protection, and faithfulness to Israel, the people had become indifferent – they even regarded serving God as “tiresome” (Malachi 2:13).
Malachi’s words to the Israelites are just as applicable to us today. It is a call for us to check our own hearts. The truth is that you cannot be half hearted with God. You cannot have one foot in with God and another foot in with the world. God demands total commitment and obedience. Such willing obedience to God ultimately brings life and freedom and love and joy.
How do you view worship? Is serving God the joy of your life, or is it something that you give to God as your leftovers? God is worthy of our worship and our very best. Living for Him is not something that is tedious and tiresome but fulfilling and fruitful.
Prayer
God, you are worthy of all my worship and praise. May my life be a joyous sacrifice for you. Amen.