Friday; March 21

When the Old Testament prophet, Malachi, was recording God’s message to the people of Israel, he pointed out that God told them He wasn’t pleased with their worship. The Lord was dissatisfied with what the people were passing off as “sacrifices”. They were presenting the lame, sick, blemished and stolen animals to their spiritual Father and religious Master! While this was bad enough, we get the impression that the people were upset with God’s disdain for their giving less than the best. The problem is summed up in the Lord’s rebuke, “You also say, ‘My, how tiresome it is!’ And you disdainfully sniff at it,” says the Lord of hosts, “and you bring what was taken by robbery and what is lame or sick; so you bring the offering! Should I receive that from your hand?” says the Lord.” (Malachi 1:13). The Israelites seemed to whine about how difficult it is – almost saying, “We are doing the best we can!” … but is that true? At one point in the discussion, God wishes that someone would shut the gates and prevent the offerings for happening in the first place.

While it is easy to criticize the Jews for their attitude, it is tempting to feel that same way today. We are tempted to give what is left over rather than give sacrificially. It is easy to complain, “We are doing our best, but this is just so hard!”; when it really isn’t true. We don’t offer animals as sacrifice to God today, but it is easy to fall into the habit of excusing ourselves when we give Him less than our best.

Let’s rekindle our attitude of offering what God deserves this weekend. Let’s show up at a worship service and do so with the proper attitude! If we are hoping to be pleasing to Him (and keep our doors open), it all begins with worshiping Him in spirit and truth!

Think About It!

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