4/30/23
“But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a Great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and My Name is dreadful among the heathen.” Malachi 1:14 KJV. As God speaks to apostate Israel, He reminds them of their failure to give Him their best. In their backslidden condition they had become accustomed to offering to God animal sacrifices that were broken and lame. This unworthy offering represented their disrespectful attitude towards God. Today, most of our modern religious world has fallen into the same spiritual condition. Because they do not fear God nor love God they try to offer to God things that He will not accept. They offer Him a few minutes of their time and keep the best for themselves. They offer meager offerings when they spend extravagantly on themselves. But we should realize, that our God is a Great King! And because of Who He is He cannot accept a second rate offering. May we have such love and respect for God that we do as the songwriter says: “Give of your best to the Master. Give Him first place in your heart; Give Him first place in your service; Consecrate every part. Give, and to you will be given; God His beloved Son gave…”