December 5
Scripture of the day: "'A son honors his father, and a servant his master. Then if I am a father, where is My honor? And if I am a master, where is My respect?' says the Lord of hosts to you, O priests who despise My name. But you say, 'How have we despised Your name?' 'You are presenting defiled food upon My altar. But you say, "How have we defiled You?" In that you say, "The table of the Lord is to be despised." But when you present the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? And when you present the lame and sick, is it not evil? Why not offer it to your governor? Would he be pleased with you? Or would he receive you kindly?' says the Lord of hosts. 'But now will you not entreat God's favor, that He may be gracious to us? With such an offering on your part, will He receive any of you kindly?' says the Lord of hosts. 'Oh that there were one among you who would shut the gates, that you might not uselessly kindle fire on My altar! I am not pleased with you,' says the Lord of hosts, 'nor will I accept an offering from you'". Malachi 1: 6-10
Thought of the day: The priests were despising God's name in presenting defiled food upon His alter ... presenting blind, lame, and sick sacrifices. God harshly condemned their actions. He told them that He would not receive them kindly ... that their burnt offerings were useless ... and that He would not accept their sacrifices.
Challenge of the day: Every Christian is a believer-priest, 1 Peter 2:9 ... therefore take Malachi's words to heart. God has commanded you to present your body as a living and holy sacrifice, Romans 12:1. What kind of sacrifice are you presenting to Him?
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