”’You also say, “Look, what a nuisance! “ And you scorn it,’ says the Lord of Armies. ‘You bring stolen, lame, or sick animals. You bring this as an offering! Am I to accept that from your hands?’ asks the Lord.“ (v. 13)

Have you ever given…grudgingly?

Have you ever worshiped…unwillingly?

Have you ever obeyed…minimally?

Have you ever skated by with mere religion?

This is the case God brings through Malachi. He speaks to His people through the prophet, and He calls them out in ways that job-insecure pastors are hesitant to do. He says, in effect, “You are doing the legalistic least, and you are offering your inferior leftovers, all while crowing about your faith.”

And then He lands His accusation with force:

“You expect Me to bless that?!”

Even as we admit that the grace He has saved us with isn’t dependent on our offerings (because it is entirely afforded by Jesus’ offering), we cannot overlook this. There is no room for a minimal, legalistic, leftovers kind of religion under God. He is worthy of our richest worship—which means He is worthy of our firstfruits, priority, joyfully submitted offerings.

Later in this Book, the Lord will extend a clarified invitation for right offerings. But, from the start, permit yourself to be challenged by His accusation—and maybe give a fresh look at the life you’re asking Him to bless.

— Tyler