Purification: A Study in MalachiSample

What does it say?

God accused the Israelites of despising His name by offering blind and lame animals as sacrifices.

What does it mean?

God had given Moses many specific laws for Israel and the priests to follow when offering and receiving sacrifices for sin, fellowship, and worship. The hearts of the givers were to be humble and the sacrifices pure – without blemishes or spots. He instructed Israel to give their best to show that they recognized Him as their Lord and God. The people disobeyed, and the priests became apathetic about the purity and majesty of worship, blatantly accepting deficient sacrifices. Because they offended God, He would curse even the things that had been previously blessed.

How should I respond?

Jesus suffered and died as a sacrifice for us. He is our once-and-for-all sin offering without any moral blemish or spot. Because of Jesus, we need not bring a sin offering to church on Sundays. However, we can give things that we value as a form of worship and fellowship. For instance, do you make every effort to give God the best of your time or just what’s left over after your agenda is completed? The next time requests for volunteers conflict with something you had planned, consider giving that time as if to say, “Here, Lord, this is my best for you.”