MALACHI 1:8

“‘And when you present a blind animal for sacrifice, is it not evil? Or when you present a lame or sick animal, is it not evil? So offer it to your governor! Would he be pleased with you, or would he receive you kindly?’ says the LORD of armies.”

I used to work for a ministry that had several thrift shops. These thrift shops operated solely on donated items. People can be very generous when they want to be. Occasionally, however, we received some “gifts” that weren’t so nice. Things like used underwear and used mattresses just can’t be sold. That meant we had to discard them. You would not believe the amount of things we simply had to throw away because they were not saleable.

Man, oh man! The Lord lets the priests have it in verse 8 today. He accuses them of presenting blind, lame and sick animals. These items were not even appropriate for their governor. Why would they think He would accept them? God had strict guidelines for what kind of animals could be presented as offerings to Him. Leviticus 22:22 told them, “Those that are blind, fractured, maimed, or have a wart, a festering rash, or scabs, you shall not offer to the LORD, nor make of them an offering by fire on the altar to the LORD.”

APPLICATION

Now, you are probably saying, Carl, I am not offering animals to Jesus. You’re right, absolutely right. But let me ask you this. Are you offering your seconds to Him? God still requires us to offer our best, our first fruits to Him. What are you holding back? What are you saving for yourself that belongs to Him?

Romans 12:8 addresses New Testament giving. “or the one who exhorts, in the work of exhortation; the one who gives, with generosity; the one who is in leadership, with diligence; the one who shows mercy, with cheerfulness.” Jesus demands more than the tithe. He demands it all. Sound selfish? Not at all, because He gives it all back to you many times over.

How about your time? Are you robbing God of that too? Carl, I’m just too tired on Sundays to go to church. God understands that. Carl, I really have to work today to make more money. Stop the excuses. Stop offering the bad gifts. Give it all to Him. He deserves your very best.

Father, I offer my all to You today. Take it and use it however You desire.