Reading the prophetic utterances through Malachi is a fascinating exercise.
The set up is a conversation God recalls between Himself and His people. God states something and the people query God on the statement and then there unfolds a critical analysis of the situation followed by recommended steps for addressing the situation. It’s so intriguing because other prophets reported some of the issues they or the people had with God, so in this final book of the Old Testament, it’s God outlining His issues with His people.
There are a number of points that could be picked up and expounded. One particular area of interest, however, is God’s criticism of the priests. Consider the standard he expected of the priests,
The purpose of my covenant with the Levites was to bring life and peace, and that is what I gave them. This required reverence from them, and they greatly revered me and stood in awe of my name. They passed on to the people the truth of the instructions they received from me. They did not lie or cheat; they walked with me, living good and righteous lives, and they turned many from lives of sin.
The words of a priest’s lips should preserve knowledge of God, and people should go to him for instruction, for the priest is the messenger of the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. (Malachi 2:4-7 NLT)
What a calling for the priesthood of God. Instructing not just in word but essentially in example. They are the focal point of service for others to know God more. People can know who God is through seeing how priests behave. People can be built to life through the example of the priesthood. That’s the way things should be.
What went wrong?
But you priests have left God’s paths. Your instructions have caused many to stumble into sin. You have corrupted the covenant I made with the Levites,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies. (Malachi 2:8 NLT)
Previously God had pointed out how the people were offering unacceptable sacrifices. Is it any wonder that they behave this way when the very representatives of God to the people are likewise disrespecting God in their behaviour and rulings.
It’s worth also stopping to reflect on how the religious rulers here are the focus. Later on Jesus’ greatest opposition came from … religious rulers. They thought they were doing God’s business but had strayed to focus on their own affairs whilst passing judgement on others.
When considering the priests, they are not to be seen as though they are very different to us. It’s to look at the responsibility of the priesthood to first live in awe of God and then reflect the awe to an example that can inspire others to turn to the one true God.
Do we live in awe of God? Does that example shine through us for others to see? Are we a building block or a stumbling block for others? Are our offerings and sacrifices to God unacceptable because of our hypocritical lifestyles that say one thing and exhibits something completely different?
(Photo by Josh Applegate on Unsplash)
For His Name’s Sake
Shalom
C. L. J. Dryden
Life With CD 