Malachi 1

By the time Malachi began to prophesy, the temple had been rebuilt, but the people of Israel were still living in ways that dishonored God.

Reading the 14 verses of the chapter, you can hear God's sadness and disappointment. "'I have loved you,' says the LORD. 'But you ask, 'How have you loved us?'" (Mal. 1:2a). Ouch. God has given these people second chances, third chances, fourth chances, and so on to turn back to Him and live in devotion to Him. He has saved them from their enemies. And they ask how He has loved them? What a heartache God must feel when He hears our complaints. He protects us, and we groan about our sinus headaches. He provides food for us to eat, and we whine about wanting a new car. He sent His Son to die so our sins wouldn't be held against us, and we cry because someone hurt our feelings.

Verses 6-14 deal with the sacrifices that God's people were offering Him. "'When you bring blind animals for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be pleased with you? Would he accept you?' says the LORD Almighty" (Mal. 1:8). The people were bringing to God the leftovers, what they wouldn't use for themselves. Furthermore, their attitude had been deplorable. When bringing sacrifices, they would say, "'What a burden!'" (Mal. 1:13). The last verse of the chapter says, "'Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal to the Lord. For I am a great king,' says the LORD Almighty, 'and my name is to be feared among the nations'" (Mal. 1:14).

How often do we experience God in a very powerful way and promise to remain devoted to Him in prayer, in our attitudes, and even in our giving to His causes. How often does that vow last? Sadly, those feelings often dissipate within a day. Examine your heart today and ask God to purify it. Ask Him to remove any distractions that pull your focus off Him. God asks you for your best. To whom else could it be better entrusted?