Day 217 – Malachi: The sinful priests
“You have shown contempt by offering defiled sacrifices on my altar.” Then you ask, ‘How have we defiled the sacrifices?’ You defile them by saying the altar of the Lord deserves no respect.” Malachi 1:7 NLT
Read Malachi 1:1 to Malachi 2:9
In a conversational method, Malachi singled out the priests for condemnation. They knew what God required, yet their sacrifices were unworthy, and their service was insincere. They were lazy, arrogant, and intense. They had a casual attitude toward the worship of God and the observance of God’s standards. If religious leaders go wrong, how will people be led according to the truth of God’s Word?
We are all leaders in some capacity. Don’t neglect your responsibilities to be ruled by what is convenient. Neglect and insensitivity are acts of disobedience. Godly leaders are faithful and sincere.
Prayer: Father, thank You for reminding us through Malachi that we all stand in a position of leadership in God’s Kingdom, and our acts reflect the love and deep relationship we have with You. Please show us where we have contempt and insensitivity in our hearts. Amen.
