When we begin to discuss what subjects really are at the core
of the Christian faith, worship is the natural expression of our love for
a holy God. Once we acknowledge His “great name” we are compelled
to fall on our faces and pay tribute to Him. In a day when much is written
about the style of worship, the message of Malachi is very timely and helpful
because it points us to the substance, or lack thereof, in our worship.
The responsibility of proper corporate worship seems to fall
upon the local spiritual leader: “It is you, O priests, who show contempt
for my name” (v. 6). What is permitted from the pulpit will in fact
be practiced in the pew. Thus, it is incumbent upon spiritual leaders to model
correct worship in word and deed. The simple truth of Malachi’s sermon
is: If you do not worship me the right way, I’ll find someone who will!
“My name will be great among the nations” (v. 11).
One cannot study this passage without revisiting objective worship
versus subjective worship. The prevailing mindset of cultures across the centuries
has always been slanted towards the question, “What have you done for
me lately?” When pushed, squeezed, or tested, the tendency is to take
shortcuts that will seemingly benefit the subject. The prophecy of Malachi
strongly condemns such practice. “Cursed is the cheat who has an acceptable
male in his flock and vows to give it, but then sacrifices a blemished animal
to the Lord” (v. 14).
The text also speaks of honor and respect. In Middle Eastern
families, respect was supposed to be given to fathers even before love or
obedience. Why? Because the father is the object of honor. That’s just
the way it is! “A son honors his father, and a servant his master. If
I am a father, where is the honor due me? If I am a master, where is the respect
due me?” (v. 6).
A jealous God demands the totality of our worship. The object
of our honor and respect is “great, and greatly to be praised.”
The long road, in this case, is the way home. Shortcuts leave the worshipper
lacking, and actually shortchange the Divine.
The further we work with this passage, the more pathetic the
picture gets. It’s one thing to engage in shallow worship for the perceived
mindset of “What’s in it for me?” But to know how to worship
God for who He is, and still not do it? That is sin.
Malachi rightly unmasks hypocritical worship. The term “hypocrite”
finds its meaning in the Elizabethan age. An actor would play numerous roles
by switching masks. It was the same person, but a different face. The word
“hypocrite” in today’s vernacular is very negative, a person
who talks out of both sides of their mouth, someone who goes through the proper
motions but has a hidden agenda.
Once found out (unmasked) the hypocrite becomes defensive, “How
have we defiled you?” (v. 7). The answer in this intriguing dialogue
between God and His people is pointed. “When you bring blind animals
for sacrifice, is that not wrong? When you sacrifice crippled or diseased
animals, is that not wrong? Try offering them to your governor! Would he be
pleased with you? Would he accept you?” (v. 8). Try shortchanging the
IRS on April 15th! You know you cannot get away with cheating.
Worship is a hot-button word in our present day. Unfortunately
the passion in our debate and discussion leans toward justifying “why
we do what we do,” rather than revering His name regardless.
(For the full manuscript
of this sermon go to www.preachersmagazine.org and click on “Sermons”)
There is a sequential flow from Core Value #1: Love, into Core
Value #2: Worship. These two values go together like hand in glove. There
can be no separating our love for God from our worship of who God is.
The historical context must be repeated. Worship services were
routine and mundane. The people were showing up for corporate worship but
their lifestyle demonstrated a selfish priority. The application to our world
today is uncanny.
Once again, Malachi takes a negative message and uses it to
emphasize the need for true worship. Sometimes the best way to learn how to,
is first to see how not to, what is not acceptable. “‘I am not
pleased with you,’ says the Lord Almighty, ‘and I will accept
no offering from your hands’” (v. 10).
The heart of this message identifies what true worship is. True worship must have a sincere respect for God. True worship must give a sacrificial response to God. True worship will receive a specific reaction from God.
