The Daily Fountain Devotional of the Church Of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) 23 September 2025 – The Lips Of A Priest Ought To Preserve Knowledge
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TOPIC – The Lips Of A Priest Ought To Preserve Knowledge
Read: Malachi 2:1-9 (NKJV)
- “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you.
- If you will not hear, And if you will not take [it] to heart, To give glory to My name,” Says the LORD of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, And I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, Because you do not take [it] to heart.
- “Behold, I will rebuke your descendants And spread refuse on your faces, The refuse of your solemn feasts; And [one] will take you away with it.
- Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, That My covenant with Levi may continue,” Says the LORD of hosts.
- “My covenant was with him, [one] of life and peace, And I gave them to him [that he might] fear [Me;] So he feared Me And was reverent before My name.
- The law of truth was in his mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity.
- “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And [people] should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
- But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the LORD of hosts.
- “Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base Before all the people, Because you have not kept My ways But have shown partiality in the law.”
THE MESSAGE:
Malachi in our text offers a plain message directed at the priests of Israel. This message also holds valuable lessons for all of us called to leadership roles, whether within the Church or in our daily lives. God entrusted the priests with the task of being guardians and teachers, ensuring God’s instructions reached the people. However, God laments that the priests have scattered His instruction “to the wind” and “turned away” from the covenant (verses 3&4). This neglect has consequences – God threatened to “curse their blessings” and “‘spread dung over their faces” (verse 5).
As leaders, religious or secular, we hold a great responsibility. We are entrusted with guiding others, shaping their understanding, and setting an example. When we fail to uphold our responsibilities, the consequences can be great. We risk misleading those we are called to serve, and our influence can be tarnished. Our passage today highlights that the Levite priests of old were committed to their calling and served with integrity. Today’s leaders are challenged to reflect on old-time faith and leaders, follow their example, embody the values they preach, and guide others with honesty and dedication. Our actions speak louder than words. If we don’t live by the principles we advocate, we “cause many to stumble in the law”
PRAYER: Dear God, help me to be a faithful steward of Your word and grace; Amen!
PRAYER POINTS ON TODAY’S DAILY FOUNTAIN DEVOTIONAL
DATE: TUESDAY, SEPTEMBER 23, 2025
TOPIC: THE LIPS OF A PRIEST OUGHT TO PRESERVE KNOWLEDGE
- Father in the name of Jesus, thank You for the grace to see this new day, the two hundred and sixty-sixth day in the year 2025 in good health, sound mind and in joy.
- Father, thank You for the special gift of life, many wished to see this new month, but they couldn’t.
- Thank You Jesus for being there for us, Your children.
- Thank You Lord for Your plans for me this month. They are plans of good, not of evil, to give me a good and successful end.
- Father, please forgive me all my known and unknown sins, and let no sin reign over my life this year, in Jesus’ name.
- Holy Spirit, help our priests to be plain in their messages, in Jesus’ name.
- The Lord will not lament over my life, in Jesus’ name.
- Holy Spirit, guide me in my responsibilities that I will not fail God, in Jesus’ name.
- I receive grace to be committed to my calling and serve with integrity, in Jesus’ name
- Holy Spirit, help me to have a deep, flourishing and an unbroken relationship with God, in Jesus’ name
- LORD, help me to get my life right this year, and let Your perfect will be enforced on me, in Jesus’ name
- LORD, help us to get it right in Nigeria, and let Your perfect will be enforced on us in Jesus’ name.
- Heavenly Father, let Your peace continue to reign in every part of this country, in Jesus name.
- Whether the devil likes it or not, I will make heaven and receive my eternal rewards in Jesus’ Name.
- This is the day the Lord hath made, let us rejoice and be glad in it.
- Personal and family prayer requests.
- Confession: God bless the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), God bless the Universal Church, and God bless our country Nigeria – 1 Chronicles 17:27.
- Thank You Lord for answered prayers, in Jesus’ Mighty Name we pray. Amen.
