Malachi 1:1-14 (focus on verses 1-11)

God tells Israel that He loves them, but they ask how? All the things God does for us, and we’re always looking for something else. He gives us a job, we want a larger paycheck. We have a car, but it isn’t that brand new one that just zipped by us.

In a way, God says, “Look at what I’ve done. Your enemies are defeated. They may claim to rebuild, but I will not let them.”

God’s power and authority do stop at any borders.

God asks why He is not honored. Fathers and masters are given honor, but He has received none. This is not something He wants to feed His ego. If someone does something real nice for you, at least a quick thanks is given. God was getting leftovers.

People were giving sacrifices that other people would have turned down. They might as well have brought roadkill to the temple. “Oh, God, I brought this to you. The flies hadn’t got to it yet. There were some cart tracks on it, but the wheels missed most of the body. Now, since I have made the necessary sacrifice, please bless me.”

God is not looking for our second best. He wants our best. Even though we are no longer under the animal sacrifice, we still make sacrifices of time, money, energy. Do we cram all of our wants into a day, and give God a few minutes while we drift in and out of sleep at the end? Are we offering roadkill?

God is not going to be fooled; you will not be able to convince Him that this is the best you have.