For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 1:11
I continue my study of the last four books of the OT using the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary volume for this book as my focus remains Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament. Today, I complete an unassisted review of Malachi 1:6-14. Here, God specifically calls out the priesthood - right away calling them by name in v6. They don't believe they are despised or polluted God's name - God responds rhetorically in vv-7-8 by offering not spotless, perfect or unblemished sacrifice, but instead blind animals or animals that lame or sick. God shares how He will not accept offerings from the priesthood, implying there is sin that must be repented before approaching God. V11 shares God declaration that His name will be great among the nations and that offerings to Him will be pure or holy. Vv12-13 describes once again God's judgement of the priesthood for not just their imperfect offerings but also their lack of awareness of their sin. The text closes with God sharing once again how He is great and His name will be feared among the nations. We should be careful with how we approach God - certainly not arrogantly thinking we are without sin - all of us sin...daily, and should ask God to reveal our sin, either through scripture, the Holy Spirit, or through others that point this out to us. Often times it takes someone to do this as God appoints someone to do this for us. Nathan stands out as an example of someone appointed by God to point out David's sin (see 2 Samuel 12). We should be encouraged to have brothers and sisters in our lives to do this for us - God intends for us to live in fellowship not just with Him but also with fellow believers who can support and encourage us in our walk with Christ.
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My Prayer: Father God, You are an amazing God full of grace and love and Your mercies are both new every morning and they never cease! Thank You Jesus! I am not deserving of my salvation nor of any of the mercies You continue to pour out for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me turn from and overcome my sin and turn towards You. Help me love You with my heart, soul and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
