OK. Let's finish Malachi 1 with just one more quick look and application.
From verse 6 to verse 20 God is accusing the priests of despising him and by offering polluted food on God's altar. The in turn "asked" God how they had done these things and God answered them.
So, what were they doing? They were fulfilling the sacrifices from Leviticus that God had commanded them but they were using blind animals. They were using animals taken by violence or that were lame or sick. In Leviticus, God was clear that it needed to be the best animals that they had. The first and the best...but they were scraping the bottom of the barrel and giving that to God.
So, God said, in verse 10, "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain. I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of Hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand." Wow. God literally said that he would rather they not even offer a sacrifice than that they would offer such unworthy sacrifices. Remember, God doesn't want just anything from us...he wants (and deserves) our best.
Why did I title this that a song was "required"? Simple, Scripture tells us to sing! :o)
Ephesian 5:19 is actually kind of funny. It says to address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. So, when I burst into song while talking to my wife, children, and friends...I'm being Biblical!! :o)
The second half of the verse is really my point though. "singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." See, God tells us, through the Apostle Paul, that we are to be singing to him....with our heart. Not a sacrifice but as an act of worship. A song that is given with respect and deep love in our hearts and minds. Try singing "Jesus, thank you" while having respect and deep love in your heart. It will break you! I promise.
Other verses that will give you the same idea: Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, and Acts 16:25 are just a few. The OT is filled with them too. This was a great link for ideas!
So, sing to the Lord today! (Ignore the mockers and scoffers and don't laugh at me!)
From verse 6 to verse 20 God is accusing the priests of despising him and by offering polluted food on God's altar. The in turn "asked" God how they had done these things and God answered them.
So, what were they doing? They were fulfilling the sacrifices from Leviticus that God had commanded them but they were using blind animals. They were using animals taken by violence or that were lame or sick. In Leviticus, God was clear that it needed to be the best animals that they had. The first and the best...but they were scraping the bottom of the barrel and giving that to God.
So, God said, in verse 10, "Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain. I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of Hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand." Wow. God literally said that he would rather they not even offer a sacrifice than that they would offer such unworthy sacrifices. Remember, God doesn't want just anything from us...he wants (and deserves) our best.
Why did I title this that a song was "required"? Simple, Scripture tells us to sing! :o)
Ephesian 5:19 is actually kind of funny. It says to address one another in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs. So, when I burst into song while talking to my wife, children, and friends...I'm being Biblical!! :o)
The second half of the verse is really my point though. "singing and making melody to the Lord with your heart." See, God tells us, through the Apostle Paul, that we are to be singing to him....with our heart. Not a sacrifice but as an act of worship. A song that is given with respect and deep love in our hearts and minds. Try singing "Jesus, thank you" while having respect and deep love in your heart. It will break you! I promise.
Other verses that will give you the same idea: Colossians 3:16, James 5:13, and Acts 16:25 are just a few. The OT is filled with them too. This was a great link for ideas!
So, sing to the Lord today! (Ignore the mockers and scoffers and don't laugh at me!)
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