“A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the LORD of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name.” -Malachi 1:6a

Throughout Scripture, God uses many earthly examples to show us how we relate to Him. Much like Jesus’ parables, we see the Lord’s words given to Malachi for His people, giving them a visible (though never perfect) representation of true religion.

Malachi gives two such examples:

A father and son – Despite any modern corruptions of our views of fatherhood, God specifically says that as a spiritual father, He ought to be honored. We ought not to view Him too lowly, nor disrespect Him or take Him for granted. The priests in Malachi’s times were treating God as an almost indifferent and mechanical force: one that would not mind if they shortchanged Him or sacrificed flawed or blemished sacrifices.

A master and servant - Taking the example even one step further, and removing the familial element, God compares Himself to a master dealing with His servant, and ought to be therefore feared and respected. Sometimes, God may ask us to obey Him even if we do not understand or agree with what He wants us to do. Yet the people in Malachi’s time offered sacrifices that were so flawed that it would have been an insult even to earthly governors. God tells His people that He is of an infinitely greater authority, and ought to be shown utmost honor; though the seemingly faithless gave no regard to Him.

“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

• Do You Talk to God as You Would Your Father?
• Returning Back to the Lord
• Consider Your Ways
• After All is Lost: Rebuilding
• Christ’s Voluntary Sacrifice

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Christian Devotions/Bible Study by Dean