Topic: Odour of Sweet Smell [Sunday April 24, 2016]
Text: Malachi 1:7-14
Key Verse: “But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the LORD of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen” (Malachi 1:14).
The spirit of Cain is still at work today. It is a spirit that does not believe in offering acceptable honour to the Giver of gifts. That spirit deceived Cain, led him to commit murder and also turned him into a vagabond and fugitive. In the passage today, God expressed His displeasure over Israel’s outright refusal to give Him the honour due Him. He created the nation by bringing her out of the Egyptian bondage.
With a strong arm, He redeemed her and for these He thought they would naturally honour Him as the Father and Creator of the nation. God likened Himself to a master that deserves honour from his servant. But Israel as a servant to her Master did not see the reason to play this all important role. In verses 13 and 14, by their violation of that which was requested by the law of God, they showed forth that the Law was a huge burden to bear. Some brought stolen animals to the altar while the priests condoned their behaviour. And because the priests manifested a lifestyle of deceit, the people followed their example. By virtue of what they brought as offering and sacrifices to God, they were regarded as stingy and ungrateful to Him. There are many rich believers today who do not believe in giving back to God who gave them the blessing in the first place.
They give Him leftovers, and in direct manifestation of lack of reverence to the Almighty, they sneer at every announcement that has to do with giving to promote the work of God. Everything we possess comes from Him. Therefore, it is sheer folly to be stingy with what does not belong to us because the Owner can decide to close the source any moment He pleases.
Thought for the day: In all dealings with God, honour Him.
Bible Reading in one Year: Romans 13-16
DCLM Daily Manna was written by Pastor William Folorunso Kumuyi; is the founder and General Superintendent of the Deeper Life Bible Church situated at KM 42 on the busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Nigeria.
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