(REFLECTIONS ON Malachi 2:1-17)

The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi came after the return from exile to Jerusalem, after the temple had been rebuilt, but with passing time rather than continuing to remain faithful in worship to the Lord in the new restored temple, people, including the priests, started to become complacent.

Day after day, week after week, month after month, year after year, the daily ceremonies of sacrifice and worship became ordinary, and the priests started looking for shortcuts, started half-heartedly completing a task, rather than giving glory to God, delivering justice through the land, and worshiping in the Spirit and truth.

1 “And now this commandment is for you, O priests.
2 “If you do not listen, and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name,” says the lord of hosts, “then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings; and indeed, I have cursed them already, because you are not taking it to heart.

The priests are to listen to the word of the Lord through Malachi. The word of the Lord isn’t just for considering, perhaps to be done, but they are commanded to listen to the word of the Lord. No option is given for ignoring or not giving honor to the Lord’s name.

When they do not listen, and because have already not listened, the Lord will send a curse upon the priests and He will, as He has, curse their blessings.

7 “For the lips of a priest should preserve knowledge, and men should seek instruction from his mouth; for he is the messenger of the Lord of host.
8 “But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” says the Lord of hosts.

The priests were to be the messengers of the Lord of host, descendants of Levi and Aaron the first high priest, but they turned aside from the Lord, and rather than being a messenger of the Lord of host, their words caused others to stumble, corrupting the priesthood. Rather than lifting up, encouraging, and providing instruction with their words, Malachi writes, “You have wearied the Lord with your words.”

Brothers and sisters, the Lord is asking us today, what has become of our worship? Are we still worshiping with a heart of worship, in the Spirit and truth, with all we are through the grace of our Lord, Jesus Christ? Or, have we also corrupted our worship? Rather than worship that is to bring people together through Christ to God by the Spirit, what have we turned worship into?

Not only a show, a performance, a ritual, but one that doesn’t require discipline, excellence, and a heart to give honor to the Lord’s name. Let us once again take it to heart, turn to the Lord our God, by the grace of Jesus Christ, by the power of the Holy Spirit, and make our path’s straight, for Jesus is coming again.

Pastor Michael Lu
Enduring Word Bible Commentary: Malachi 2