SUMMARY: Disrespect
OVERVIEW: God scolds the priests for failing to show him respect and for dishonoring the temple and its offerings.
BIG IDEA: Don’t lose sight of God’s holiness.
KEY VERSE: Malachi 1:11 (God to Israel)
“But my name is honored by people of other nations from morning till night. All around the world they offer sweet incense and pure offerings in honor of my name. For my name is great among the nations,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
IF GOD WROTE YOU A LETTER
Don’t disrespect my name. Don’t minimize my work or act as if my love does not matter. I am God Almighty, and my name will be honored throughout the world. Anywhere the sun rises and sets, I will show and declare my glory. I may punish you, but that does not negate my love. I discipline you because I love you. Your choices matter, and I care about where you go, what you say, and how you think.
Don’t disrespect me by going through the motions in your faith. It’s easy and may be tempting to appear holy and faithful on the outside while being rotten on the inside. You would not be so careless if you were seeking to impress someone who could give you temporary joy or satisfaction. I am your creator and offer eternal life. I want more for you, and so do you. Give me your best. When you are tired, I will give you strength. When you feel defeated, I will provide you with hope. Trust me, seek me, and let me live through you.
NEXT STEP
Embrace God and his love. Remember all he has done and give him thanks and praise. Thank God in prayer and then share with someone today about God’s love and goodness.
MUSIC VIDEO