Perfect Sacrifice

By offering polluted food upon my altar. But you say, ‘How have we polluted you?’ By saying that the Lord’s table may be despised. 8 When you offer blind animals in sacrifice, is that not evil? And when you offer those that are lame or sick, is that not evil? Present that to your governor; will he accept you or show you favor? says the Lord of hosts. 9 And now entreat the favor of God, that he may be gracious to us. With such a gift from your hand, will he show favor to any of you? says the Lord of hosts. 10 Oh that there were one among you who would shut the doors, that you might not kindle fire on my altar in vain! I have no pleasure in you, says the Lord of hosts, and I will not accept an offering from your hand. 11 For from the rising of the sun to its setting my name will be great among the nations, and in every place, incense will be offered to my name, and a pure offering. For my name will be great among the nations, says the Lord of hosts. 12 But you profane it when you say that the Lord’s table is polluted, and its fruit, that is, its food may be despised. 13 But you say, ‘What a weariness this is,’ and you snort at it, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering! Shall I accept that from your hand? says the Lord. 14 Cursed be the cheat who has a male in his flock, and vows it, and yet sacrifices to the Lord what is blemished. For I am a great King, says the Lord of hosts, and my name will be feared among the nations. Malachi 1:7-14

Perfect Sacrifice
The Lord requires the first fruits from his people. The sacrifices to God were to be the best, those without spot or blemish. How often do we hold back the very best for ourselves and give to our neighbors in need the second or last? How often do we hold back from our bank account or a talents and gifts and give what’s left over to the church? The offering to your God comes out of the perfect and good gifts that he first gave you. All of this comes down on us from the Father of light. We cannot hide our sins from the living God. He knows our intentions and he knows our actions. He knows that we are sinful, and we need a Savior. He has the perfect solution. He sends his first fruit, his only begotten Son to be the One perfect and spotless sacrifice. Through the working of this Word in our heart, we have faith. We turn from our sin, and we are counted righteous. It is the perfect and good gift of the Father to give you this Jesus and to take from you your sin. He is a great King, and he rules over you by grace and mercy. His love is never ending, and it is for you.