Malachi 1:1-14
The children of Israel expressed their feelings about temple worship in Jerusalem, saying, "Oh, what a weariness!" They were weary worshipers, who sneered at the things of God. Why was worship so boring?
They doubted God's love for them. The Lord said to them, "I have loved you." They answered, "In what way have You loved us?"
This dialogue took place in the days of Nehemiah. The people were part of a remnant that had returned to Israel from captivity in Babylon. The city of Jerusalem had been rebuilt as well as the temple. The people had built their own houses, and they enjoyed a measure of peace and prosperity. In the book of Malachi no reference is made to Israel's enemies or warfare. It appears that the shattered wall around the city had been completely rebuilt, providing them with a sense of security. Life was certainly better in Israel than in Babylon. Nevertheless the Israelites questioned God's love.
They dishonored God in their worship of Him. Animals that were lame or blind or with a serious defect were not to be offered. They had to be perfect in order to be accepted. See Leviticus 22:21 and Deuteronomy 15:21. The fire burned on the altar at the temple in Jerusalem, but the sacrifices given were defiled. The people brought "the stolen, the lame, and the sick," and the priests accepted them. Is it any wonder that God said, "A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If then I am the Father, where is My honor? And if I am a Master, where is My reverence?" The Lord was not honored.
The complacency among the weary worshipers was shared by all. Consider Malachi 1:10. The Lord asked, "Who is there even among you who would shut the doors, so that you would not kindle fire on My altar in vain?" Think of it. God preferred to have the temple doors shut, rather than have the defiled sacrifices offered. No one rose to close the doors of the temple. The weary worshipers continued to go through their monotonous routine.
God said that His name would be great among the nations, from the rising of the sun, even to its going down. He would be magnified beyond the border of Israel.
Do you love God? Do you realize and reflect upon His great love for you? Is He honored in your respectful service for Him. Do you pray, believing that He is listening to you? Have you presented yourself as "a living sacrifice, holy, acceptable to God"? Are you a weary worshiper?
Loving Father, accept the sacrifice of praise from our lips and our hearts. We love You, because You first loved us. Keep us from falling into a religious rut in our worship of You. In Jesus' name. Amen!
