Scripture Text: Malachi 2:1-9
If you will not listen, if you will not take it to heart to give honor to my name, says the Lord of hosts, then I will send the curse upon you and I will curse your blessings. Indeed, I have already cursed them, because you do not lay it to heart.
Malachi 2:2
Which one do you prefer? "Curse" or "Blessings"? If we ask this kind of question to all people, whether followers of Christ or not, I'm pretty sure all will choose "Blessings".
The covenant of priesthood and the promises given by God to Levi was a tremendous blessing for the Levites. This calling is of the highest favor and privilege from God for them to do their duty as priests.
Levi did the will of the Lord and obeyed God's instructions wholeheartedly that is why He blessed him. God wants to continue His covenant and promises to his descendants, but the descendants of Levi did terrible things. They failed to do their duty and function that's why God rebuked them.
1. Levi respected and honored God (v.5)
- The descendants disrespected/dishonored God
2. Levi taught the true teaching of Law and never lied (v.6)
- The descendants did not teach the true teaching of the Law and they lied to God
and to the people.
3. Levi led many people to turn from their sins (v.6)
- The descendants led the people to sins
4. Levi obeyed God and lived right (v.6)
- The descendants disobeyed God and lived unrighteously in the sight of the Lord
God reminded Levi's descendants through Malachi regarding their true duty to teach the true knowledge of God to the people because they are the messengers of the LORD Almighty.
Jesus is faithful to fulfill His covenant and promises to give life and peace to His people. He blesses His people who walk under His will through the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Jesus gives us the same favors and privileges as His royal priests to proclaim His salvation to the people (1 Peter 2:9). We must continue to do our duty, responsibility, and obligation to our Lord Jesus for the glory of God the Father.
We are all His servants with different functions—whether a pastor, teacher of the law, evangelist, missionary, elder, deacon, prayer warrior, giver/tither, janitor, or even church attender—we are all equal in the eyes of God, what is important is the purity of our hearts.
If we obey God and follow His will faithfully and excellently, He will release the blessing, but if we disobey Him and not follow His will, the blessings will turn into curses.
All we have to do is to ask the empowerment of the Holy Spirit to guard the purity of our hearts and the purity of God's temple. We should know God's law, then teach the true teaching to the people based on God's Word in the Bible. We should engage in gospel sharing to save many people from being punished for the evil things they did, of course by the help of the Holy Spirit.
Reflect
What is "curse" or "blessing" to you?
When do you say you have "curse" or "blessing"?
When you can find blessings?
How can you have "curse" or "blessing" in this life?
Remember
Jesus Christ is the only source of blessings. Outside Him life is cursed!
Jesus is the only blessing!
Read
Leviticus 26:14-17; Deuteronomy 28:15-22; Malachi 3:9; Psalm 69:22; Numbers 25:12-13; Nehemiah 13:29; Numbers 3:45; 1 Peter 2:9
Pray
Dear God, thank you for the wisdom and enlightenment by the Holy Spirit through the meditation of Your Word. Please forgive me for my selfish ways that I've done today. Everytime I worship and serve You, please guard my heart from any impurity and contaminant. Guide me on how to channel the blessings you entrusted to us whether material, financial, and most importantly, the spiritual blessings. In Jesus' Name, Amen!
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