18 September
Polluted Bread and Blind Sacrifices
Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible. And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil?
Malachi 1:7 to 8 (paraphrased)Have you watched these "lawyer" movies where the judge says, "You are held in contempt of court"? What does that mean? It means that the person has disrespected the judges courtroom. He has broken the law of the court and he has shown dishonour towards the judge.
The word contemptible means "to bring to nothing; to make something have no value." And that is exactly what the priests were doing. They were so accustomed to knowing God that Gods name became as no effect to them. To the priests it was an opportunity to wear beautiful garments and appear as holy, superior men before the people.
The sacrifices were of ill-effect too. God always asks for a pure sacrifice, a lamb without spot or blemish. And here the priests were offering beasts that were blind and lame.
How often do you do that? Romans 12 says that you must present your body to God a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable, which is your reasonable service. Just as Abraham presented Isaac to God, God is asking you to present your own life to Him. He wants you surrendered to Him and separated from the lusts of this world.
It amazes me how we can never cease to talk about Gods mercy and grace which is ever abundant yet we are so slow to talk about living a life that is dedicated wholly unto the LORD; a life that does not conform to the things of this world but a life that is renewed by the Word of God to do the will of God.
One day you will have to give God a report for your life ... face to face. Every second of your life is being recorded and will be played back before you. Will you be able to approach the throne room of God with boldness on that great Judgment Day?