Are You Just Going Through the Motions?
Malachi 1:1-14
Apathy keeps us from experiencing the full blessing of God. There is an epidemic of apathy raging in American Christianity. The dictionary defines “apathy” as “a lack of feeling or emotion,” “passivity and indifference,” or an “absence of concern or interest.”
In Malachi 1, the Israelites had become apathetic toward God. In verse 2, Malachi says that God loved Jacob but hated Esau. The Lord refers to Jacob as the one who would represent His love and power to all people.
The people of God failed to bring their best to the Lord for sacrifice. Instead, they brought their leftovers – the lame animals and the worst in their flocks – to be offered to God in worship.
The literary style in Malachi is unique in the Old Testament because of its form. The prophet used a dialectical style – a question-and-answer method – to convey his message. In verses 2, 6 and 7, God both rebuked and reassured His people that He forgives sin when asked to do so. God loves His people and offers hope and forgiveness; He shows this by the death, burial and resurrection of His son, Jesus Christ.
Malachi confronted the Israelites with their apathy in worship, including offering unacceptable sacrifices (Malachi 1:6-10). Malachi challenged the people by saying, “If a master is respected, you will give your best to him.” So the Lord Almighty deserves our best, not our leftovers.
Malachi 1:11-14 pointed out that not only had the people of Israel failed to recognize God’s love for them and failed to offer Him their best, they even failed to recognize God’s greatness. Malachi said God’s greatness would be recognized and revered throughout all nations.
As believers, we should examine our commitments to God. Do we give Him the first fruits of our finances, our time and our schedules? Is the worship of our Lord second to anything else that might be going on in our lives? What about our relationships with God and with others? Do we love the Lord with all our hearts, minds and strengths, and our neighbors as ourselves? (Matthew 22:37-38). As followers of Christ, we can let the world know of the love and grace of our Lord Jesus.
Many adults have allowed circumstances in their lives to shrink their views of God and what He requires of them. What we do and what we offer to God shows what we believe about God.
Dinkins– Lessons in the BSL series for the summer quarter are being written by David Dinkins, pastor of First Baptist Church, Kingstree, and former director of missions.