When ritual is not Worship

 Read Malachi 1.

The people began to question God's promises and plans.  They wondered if serving God was worth it.  Their practices of worship became cold, routine, mechanical observances while ignoring God's requirements.  So, the LORD employed a series of indictments against them to pierce their hard hearts.  And, each time the response was, "Who us?  Wherein did we ever do that?"  Forty-seven of the fifty-five verses in Malachi are spoken by God.

Indictment #1: I have loved you. (vv.2-5)
That does not sound like an accusation until you read the response.  The LORD made the statement because He was not receiving any love return.
Response: How have you loved us?
Answer: I chose you. 
It was His own sovereign decision to establish an everlasting covenant with Abraham and his descendants.  The choice of Isaac was due to being the sole son of Sarah.  Then, He chose Jacob over Esau.  From there the twelve sons of Jacob and their families carry the promise of the covenant.  God presented that evidence as exhibit A for proof of His love for them.

Indictment #2: You have despised my name. (vv.6-14)
God compared His name and reputation to that of an earthly father and an authority in their lives; both names demand due respect.  A child carries the father's last name for life and has a responsibility to protect the family reputation.  So important is the protection, use, and glory of God’s name that it is mentioned five times in these fourteen verses.
Response: How have we despised your name?
Answer: By offering polluted food upon my altar.
Response: How have we polluted you?
Answer: By saying the LORD's table may be despised.
This exchange is particularly directed at the Temple priests.  They knew the demands of the Law regarding acceptable sacrifices.  Yet, they deliberately sinned against God ("is that not evil?").  The sacrifices brought by the people were to be the best, the finest, without spot or blemish.  These disobedient priests allowed animals to be offered that no one wanted and had little value; the blind, lame, sick, or even taken by force from someone else.  The LORD stated concerning those who try to offer Him less than their best, "Cursed be the cheat."

Shockingly, God said in verse 10, if this type of behavior continued it would be just as well that the doors of the Temple be closed and, therefore, there would be no need to build a fire for the sacrifices.  Stop all these rituals that disregard God's word!

This should give us all pause to think about how we approach worship today.  Worship is to be a demonstration of one's love for God and an obedient lifestyle.  Otherwise, repentance is required.  Coming before Him unprepared to give one's best is unacceptable.  Worship and giving are inseparable.  So let us be prepared...
1. To give Him glory and praise.
2. To give Him ourselves.
3. To give Him the first and best of our resources.