God’s Word of Joy
Introduction
Malachi 1:1-14: The readings for the next four days will be from the Book of Malachi, which was written around 470-440 B.C. after the rebuilding of the Temple in Jerusalem. Jerusalem and the Temple had been destroyed by the Babylonians in 586 B.C. Following the defeat of the Babylonians by the Persians in 538 B.C., the Temple was rebuilt and dedicated in 515 B.C. Yet the people were now under Persian control, and many began to question whether God was really concerned about them. In today’s reading, the prophet reminds the people of God’s love for them while, at the same time, delivering a reprimanding message to the priests.
Scripture Reading
1This is the message that the Lord gave Malachi to tell the people of Israel.
The Lord‘s Love for Israel
2 The Lord says to his people, “I have always loved you.”
But they reply, “How have you shown your love for us?”
The Lord answers, “Esau and Jacob were brothers, but I have loved Jacob and his descendants, 3and have hated Esau and his descendants. I have devastated Esau’s hill country and abandoned the land to jackals.”
4If Esau’s descendants, the Edomites, say, “Our towns have been destroyed, but we will rebuild them,” then the Lord will reply, “Let them rebuild—I will tear them down again. People will call them ‘The evil country’ and ‘The nation with whom the Lord is angry forever.’”
5The people of Israel are going to see this with their own eyes, and they will say, “The Lord is mighty even outside the land of Israel!”
The Lord Reprimands the Priests
6The Lord Almighty says to the priests, “Children honor their parents, and servants honor their masters. I am your father—why don’t you honor me? I am your master—why don’t you respect me? You despise me, and yet you ask, ‘How have we despised you?’ 7This is how—by offering worthless food on my altar. Then you ask, ‘How have we failed to respect you?’ I will tell you—by showing contempt for my altar. 8 When you bring a blind or sick or lame animal to sacrifice to me, do you think there’s nothing wrong with that? Try giving an animal like that to the governor! Would he be pleased with you or grant you any favors?”
9Now, you priests, try asking God to be good to us. He will not answer your prayer, and it will be your fault. 10The Lord Almighty says, “I wish one of you would close the Temple doors so as to prevent you from lighting useless fires on my altar. I am not pleased with you; I will not accept the offerings you bring me. 11People from one end of the world to the other honor me. Everywhere they burn incense to me and offer acceptable sacrifices. All of them honor me! 12But you dishonor me when you say that my altar is worthless and when you offer on it food that you despise. 13You say, ‘How tired we are of all this!’ and you turn up your nose at me. As your offering to me you bring a stolen animal or one that is lame or sick. Do you think I will accept that from you? 14A curse on the cheater who sacrifices a worthless animal to me, when he has in his flock a good animal that he promised to give me! For I am a great king, and people of all nations fear me.”
Today’s Key Verse: Malachi 1:2a
The LORD says to his people, “I have always loved you.”
Reflect
The name “Malachi” means “my messenger.” What message was Malachi to deliver to the people of Israel? What was the message to the priests? Why were they asked to stop their worship practices? In what ways were the priests dishonoring God? How will you honor God today?
Pray
Lord God, daily you shower me with your love. May I always serve you with a humble heart and bring honor and glory to you. Amen.
Tomorrow’s Reading
Malachi 2:1-17: The priests and the people are called to renew their faithfulness to their covenant with God.