February 14, 2025

Surely you have felt the love of the Lord? We recognize His true love through the sacrifice of Jesus, our only Savior. But what do we have to offer him? What is a sacrifice we can give Him? In Malachi, God is admonishing Israel for bringing offerings that dishonor Him because their sacrifice was blemished and not as required by law, and the priests were accepting them for their own gain rather than rejecting them on behalf of God. It is Malachi who predicted the doing away with the priesthood, ushering in the acceptance of Gentiles into the family of God through the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus. It would change the way of worship from strictly physical to spiritual. I think God had had enough of their imperfect offerings and devised a way for all of us to turn our hearts toward Him. Our love comes from the heart; rather than working for God’s love, He gifted us Jesus as the perfect sacrifice; there is none better. Now, we show Him our love through our heartfelt praise and worship, our time basking in His presence, and our pouring out our love to Him through thanksgiving. You cannot out-give God, but you can try. God’s love for us is true love; you should increase your worship time if you don’t feel it. 

For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts. Malachi 1:11