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"Where is My honour?"

Text: Malachi 1:6

A SHARP REBUKE OF THE PRIESTS

Israel was ruled by kings. The rulers were assisted by many to run the country well. There were the princes, judges, and the military leaders. Then there were the priests who were supposed to lead the nation in the worship of God. But what if the priests failed to do the needful?

“A son honours his father,
And a servant his master.
If then I am the Father,
Where is My honour?
And if I am a Master,
Where is My reverence?
Says the LORD of hosts
To you priests who despise My name.
Yet you say, ‘In what way have we despised Your name?'”
Malachi 1:6

1. Two relationships used as illustrations

a) The illustration of Israel as “a son”.

b) The illustration of Israel as “a servant”.

2. Basic expectations

a) A son is expected to honour his father.

b) A servant is expected to honour his master.

3. Extension of the illustrations

a) God as “Father”.

b) God as “Master”.

4. Queries of God

a) As Father

Where was the honour a son was expected to give to his father?

b) As Master

Where was the regard and respect (reverence) expected from the servant?

5. God questioned the priests for despising His name.

6. The priests defiantly and rudely retorted: “In what way have we despised Your name?”