Read Malachi 1:6-14
Have you ever taken a shortcut to lessen your load? Apparently, these priests sure have. The LORD is not happy with them at all. I’m not sure I’d be that lazy or disrespectful to take a shortcut where honoring God was concerned.
But don’t we all do it from time to time? We rush our devotion time because something more pressing or important is crowding out our day. We sometimes skip our quiet times with God all together. I don’t think I’m the only one who has.
But the more time I spend with God, the less I want to miss these special times with God. My priorities have changed. Is it because I no longer have wee ones under foot? I have to admit the pace of life in Mexico is a lot less hectic. I have the luxury of spending extended time with God.
These verses did convict me, even though I’m not a priest. Nor have I ever handled any defiled animal sacrifices. What would be the motivation of those priests to use sacrifices that were in one way or another contaminated? Did they think God wouldn’t notice? Perhaps they thought they could get away with giving God the “leftovers.”
I’m all about taking shortcuts. Ask anyone who knows me about my patience in traffic. I think my mom instilled in me as a child that taking the shortcut was the “fun” way. I remember zooming down alleys. I’d always be amazed where we’d end up!
But taking shortcuts where God is concerned is not a good idea. For the priests, God even turned his back on them. “I am not pleased with you,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “and I will not accept your offerings.” I want God to accept my prayers and offerings of service. I never want him to feel like he’s not my top priority.
I don’t always succeed in that intention. But these verses remind me how it hurts him when I do. Are you nodding your head? Are you wanting to do a better job at living a life that pleases God? He wants our best attention.
In our next reading, we’ll take a look at the curse God proclaimed to these priests. Stay tuned.
Let’s pray. LORD, I know I don’t always spend as much time with you as I would like. I let the busyness of the world crowd into our time together. Forgive me. Help me to do better at closing out the distractions and relishing each moment we share. Fill me anew with your spirit so I can make a difference in your world. No shortcuts will be taken. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
