Malachi
For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, My name shall be great among the Gentiles; In every place incense shall be offered to My name, And a pure offering;For My name shall be great among the nations,” Says the LORD of hosts. Malachi 1:11
The bulk of the first two chapters of Malachi is a condemnation of the temple priests for their failures to lead the people in hallowing God’s name. The prophet describes how they would not offer their firstfruits. They would sacrifice sick, diseased, lame, and otherwise undesirable animals on the Lord’s altar. In their hearts, they found their work a drudgery rather than a joy. This was not only a sin against the first Commandment, but it broke the second as well. If God’s own priest couldn’t be bothered to revere the name of the Lord, why should the nations consider His name great?
We worship differently on this side of Jesus’ first advent, but no matter how we worship, God’s name must be hallowed. He still deserves our offerings. When Jesus comes again, He will be expecting to find fruit. Are we making our offerings a priority, or do we give to God only what is left over after we worry about ourselves first? Do our words and actions prove to others that our God is great, or do we curse, swear, lie, and deceive in His name?
Prepare for the Lord’s coming with pure offerings. All our offerings and sacrifices are given in response to the one great sacrifice that truly makes God’s name great among the nations. God’s Son gave His life as the atoning sacrifice to the Father for our sins. Jesus offered His perfect, unblemished life, and it was fully acceptable to God. On top of that, He gave us His righteousness so that we are able to offer pure and holy gifts by the power of the Holy Spirit. Offer the incense of a godly life to the Lord’s holy name!
Come, Lord Jesus, and teach us to hallow Your name and offer sacrifices to prepare ourselves and others for Your coming. Amen.