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"You sneer at it"

Text: Malachi 1:13

THE HIDDEN INTERNAL FEELINGS

The external features of the worship of God was symbolized by the giving of offerings at the Temple. On the surface, for all wants and purposes, there seemed the national religion of Israel appeared to be doing well.

However, on closer examination, all was not well. The LORD Himself evaluated the worship practices and found fault with the hidden internal feelings of the religious leaders. However, they were not the only ones who were rebuked. The worshippers were also taken to task by the LORD.

“You also say,
‘Oh, what a weariness!’
And you sneer at it,’
Says the LORD of hosts.
‘And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick;
Thus you bring an offering!
Should I accept this from your hand?’
Says the LORD.”
Malachi 1:13

1. “You also say, ‘Oh, what a weariness!'”

a) This sentiment expressed:

i) It reflected the view of the priests and Levites.

ii) It also reflected the view of the worshippers.

b) This was the sad and solemn reality.

Worship was a tiresome thing to the nation!

2. “And you sneer at it”

a) The sneering was the inevitable companion to weariness.

b) When people are tired of doing what they feel they must do, they will despise it.

3. “And you bring the stolen, the lame, and the sick; thus you bring an offering!”

a) The offerings presented were “the stolen, the lame, and the sick”.

b) How could these even be contemplated, let alone offered!

4. “‘Should I accept this from your hand?’ Says the LORD.”

a) This was a rhetorical question.

b) The LORD confronted both the religious leaders and worshippers candidly!