How do We Worship?

O. T. #2342 "How do We Worship?"

Dec. 19, 2022

Malachi 1-Part 5 

LET IT GLOW 

This prophet of God is pointing out the problems (sins) which Israel had at that time. First, they doubted God's love. (1 1-5)  Secondly, they dishonored God's name. (1:6-2:9) They did not follow God's requirements in order to please Him.

How did they dishonor God's name and not take His worship seriously?

• The priests and Israel did not honor God as a father nor with proper fear due a master. (Deut. 32:6)(verse 6) Instead of admitting their sins, confessing them, they chose to respond in unbelief and ask for evidence.
• They offered bread and animal sacrifices that were polluted. Those were blind, crippled, and diseased animals. (verse 7-8)) The priests and their families were fed with the sacrifices, and they wanted to be sure it was provided so they accepted any sacrificial animal, instead of being by God's standards. They brought God less than their best. 

Why should God bless, be merciful, and show you favor when you act like that toward Him, perhaps Malachi meant. Their offerings were contemptible, which means to disesteem; think to scorn; despised.

Are we guilty of not giving God our best? Do we give our leftovers? 

LET IT GROW

The Lord said it would have been better for the priests to shut the Temple doors so that those worthless sacrifices could not be offered. (verse 10)

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. (verse 11)

Malachi could be speaking of events in the future. We Gentile believers in Jesus Christ offer Him praise, honor, glory for His sacrifice for our sins. May our worship turn to only ritual, empty religious formalities that disgust the Lord. 

To obey is better than sacrifice, and to hearken than the fat of rams. (1 Sam. 15:22; Mark 12:28-34)

Do we skip our tithing in order to give gifts to our family? 

Worship to the priests of Israel was a nuisance. They looked to God as a God of convenience. When they didn't live up to God's standards, they did not make Him more important than anything else in life.

LET IT GO 

Help us remain faithful to giving back to You, God our Father, for You are so faithful in giving to us.

Glory to God in the Highest!

Praise be to the Creator, Savior, and Redeemer!