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Open up your Bibles this morning to the Book of Malachi, chapter one. If this is your first sermon in our Malachi series, we began two weeks ago. Scripture journals are available in the Welcome Center on the book rack, offering a helpful way to read ahead and take notes as we study this important book. Please pick one up if you haven’t already.
Next Sunday, we’ll be baptizing again. If you are a believer in Jesus and haven’t yet been baptized, please talk to me so we can arrange that. Note, our heater is still not fixed; we’ve ordered a new one and pray it arrives before Sunday. Regardless, we will proceed with baptisms—don’t let that discourage you!
Let’s ask the Lord for help this morning. Father, thank you for your holy Word and your people gathered on this Lord’s Day, as you’ve commanded. We partake in the preaching of your Word and the ordinance of the Lord’s Supper as means of grace. Through these, you strengthen us spiritually, reminding us of Christ and our identity in Him. Prepare our hearts through your Word to remember and be strengthened by your presence. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, takes place approximately 100 years after Israel returned from Babylonian captivity. Initially, enslaved in Egypt for 400 years, Israel entered the Promised Land but eventually disobeyed God again, leading to their captivity in Babylon. Now back home for 100 years, you’d think they’d learned obedience, yet they remained apathetic, merely going through religious motions without heartfelt passion.
The book of Malachi confronts this spiritual apathy through a series of arguments. First, they questioned God’s love. Then, they dishonored God by offering imperfect sacrifices. Their apathy affected their worship, relationships, and view of God. God expressed his displeasure, declaring in verse 10, “I wish one of you would just shut the temple doors rather than continue this dishonoring worship.”
In verse 11, God emphasizes that despite Israel’s unfaithfulness, His name will be great among all nations, from the rising to the setting of the sun. Israel was called to represent God to the world, yet their disobedience dishonored His name. Regardless, God’s glory does not depend on human obedience; His name will be great everywhere, and even Gentiles will honor and worship Him faithfully.
Tragically, Israel profaned God’s name through polluted offerings, seeing worship as burdensome. Their hearts had become so weary they snorted at the notion of genuine worship. God strongly rebuked their careless worship, highlighting that true worship comes from delight, not duty. Apathetic worship dishonors God, whereas heartfelt worship arises from love, respect, and awe for His glory.
Reflect on your heart today. Is your worship passionate or apathetic? True worship requires repenting from sin, embracing a larger view of God’s majesty, and relying on Jesus, our perfect High Priest, who joyfully fulfilled God’s will.
Let’s pray. Father, renew our hearts. Give us a fresh passion for genuine worship rooted in Christ’s perfect sacrifice. Help us honor you fully, joyfully, and wholeheartedly. In Jesus’ name, amen.