Mysty Pfeffer“My covenant with him was one of life and peace, and I gave these to him; it called for reverence, and he revered Me and stood in awe of My name.”
Malachi 2:5
Week 3
Day 3
There have been some humiliating moments in my life. Several, I’d like to forget. After all, it’s an abasement of pride. Reducing of the ego to humble submission and lowliness. Remember Haman, hanging his head in shame after parading Mordecai through the streets on the king’s horse? (Esther Ch. 6)
Yep, humiliation occurs when we’re brought down from thinking too highly of ourselves. The question to examine personally and in the Levitical priesthood today, is how people get to such a place of superiority.
I’m suspecting it’s a heart issue.
Please read Malachi Chapter 2 and answer the following questions:
- Yesterday, we looked at the defective sacrifices the priests were offering to Yahweh, what is the decree for such behavior according to our messenger, Malachi? (2:1-2)
- What humiliating act will be taken to rebuke the priests? (vs 3)
Leviticus 11:39-45
Ouch. We cannot tolerate that stuff on the bottom of our shoe, let alone on our faces! To fully understand just how degrading this act is for the priests, let’s take a look at the following scriptures to understand their daily practice of cleanliness:
Exodus 29:44-46
If the priests take the Nazarite vow:
Numbers 6:5-7
The book of Exodus sets up the foundation for the Levitical priesthood, with Moses and Aaron as leaders. The descendants of Aaron will serve the Lord at the altar, care for the tabernacle and all it’s furnishings, and teach the people the law. (Numbers 1:50)
- What is God’s reminder to the priests of Malachi’s day? (vs 5)
- Did the Levite priests of Moses’ day follow through? (vs. 6-7)
- List below, in your own words, what takes place for the priests and why: (vs 8-9)
Reverence for the Lord is something He takes very seriously and personally. We as parents, can understand His admonishment because every single parent is disregarded, in some way, from their own child. The thoughts traveling through our minds must be similar to God’s, “How could you treat me this way?” “After all the love, the care, the provision……I have given you my whole life and you act like you don’t care.”
Yes, we can see and feel the pain of our Holy Father here. Not only does the way the priests treat him grieve Him, the way they treat each other, also mourns the heart of God. We’ll see this as we look closer at Malachi 2:10-17
- The phrase used repeatedly in these verses in my HCSB is “acted treacherously” the NIV uses (being unfaithful) the ESV uses (faithless) think about the phrase or words used and list below how the Israelites were treacherous/unfaithful:
- Malachi 2:10-11
- Malachi 2:13-14
- Malachi 2:15-16
The prophet says, “You have wearied the Lord with your words. Yet you ask, “How have we wearied Him? When you say, “Everyone who does what is evil is good in the Lord’s sight, and He is pleased with them”, or “Where is the God of justice” (Malachi 2:17)
The heart of God is wounded when people fail to see their actions disrespect Him as Holy and Worthy of praise. Pride in their position, stood in the way of its purpose. The priest’s opportunity to display reverence to God and His covenant of marriage is overlooked for personal satisfaction. The resulting injustice damages the morality of the people around them.
May we look at our own lives today and ask God, “Am I revering you, Lord?” “Am I living the Christian example set in Galatians 5:22?
God of Heaven,
Please, help me see the areas of pride in my life that hinder my service to you and others. May the utter humiliation lying in my heart, be brought before the heavenlies for inspection. I ask your forgiveness for any actions in my life causing you grief. May today be a new day to honor and serve you, as you fully deserve. In Jesus’ name, amen.
