True instruction was in his mouth, and no wrong was found on his lips. He walked with me in peace and uprightness, and he turned many from iniquity. For the lips of a priest should guard knowledge, and people should seek instruction from his mouth, for he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts. Malachi 2:6-7
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 my focus is a commentary-assisted review of Malachi 2:1-9. With the focus being God's judgement upon the priesthood, the commentary outlines the following divisions:
- God’s Curse against Israel’s Priests for Their Depraved and Apathetic Worship (2:1-3)
- God Reminds Israel’s Priests of Their Covenantal Role Model, Levi (2:4-7)
- Four Ways Israel’s Priests Failed to Follow the Covenant Role Model of Levi (2:8-9)
In particular, commentary for the 2nd division offers useful insights for us to see re: how Levi modeled attributes any leader (church, parent, etc.) should seek, including:
- Godly commitment towards the role God places people in
- Godly character, most prominently demonstrated through a reverent fear of God, including a "mixture of reverence, fear, pleasure, joy, and awe that should fill a worshiper’s heart when giving reverence to God."
- Godly communication; someone "who stands on the infallible, inerrant Word of God, preaches the entire counsel of God, and leaves the results to God." This attribute is also demonstrates how you guard the Word by "giving it away" to others.
It is sad to note how the priesthood in Malachi's time failed God and ultimately failed God's people and this led to separation from God and silence for 400 years until God sent Jesus as the incarnate Son of God to do away with the fallible nature of the Old Testament Levitical priesthood. The good news is that Jesus is our great High Priest - see also Hebrews 4:14-16.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, thank You for being the Great High Priest who continues to intercede for me and my sin - and for my salvation. I am not deserving for my salvation and for how You continue to interceded for me. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of 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.
