Daily Devotions
Malachi
"When you offer the blind as a sacrifice"
Text: Malachi 1:8
THE WORSHIP OF THE LORD
The worship of the LORD was not meant for just the wealthy who could offer significantly. Not everyone in Israel was wealthy. But the poor may bring humble offerings like turtle doves and these worshippers and their offering would be accepted by God too.
THE OFFERING OF SICK ANIMALS
The priests who were in charge of the Temple sacrifices did not have a consecrated heart to serve the LORD. Their lack of regard for God and the Temple worship was appalling.
“‘And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice,
Is it not evil?
And when you offer the lame and sick,
Is it not evil?
Offer it then to your governor!
Would he be pleased with you?
Would he accept you favourably?’
Says the LORD of hosts.”
Malachi 1:8
1. The offerings that were presented by the people:
a) Firstly, the people brought the sacrifices to the priests for their approval.
b) Next, the priests would then present those offerings to the LORD.
2. The offerings made:
a) Blind animals
b) Lame animals
c) Sick animals
3. The correct response of the priests
a) To reject all these offerings.
b) To rebuke the worshippers for this affront to God.
4. The inappropriate response of the wicked priests
They presented these offerings as acceptable in God’s sight! This was an entirely wrong and evil thing to do!
5. Would the local governors accept such gifts
Would these gifts be considered acceptable? The answer would be assuredly “No!”
Yet, these evil priests were presenting these gifts as if God would accept them readily.