QT: Blow from your nose? Weariness! Malachi1:13 Week 39: 21/09/2023. Thu
Blow from your nose? Weariness!
https://www.esv.org/Malachi1:13
Week 39: 21/09/2023. Thu
Ever saw a "quick blow downwards from the other person's nose" action that signified contempt and a dismissive attitude to what you have just said?
Malachi 1:13 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. (ESV)
In a colder and increasingly more emotionally detached world, receiving this sneer is not uncommon, even among close friends and kindred. But believers during Malachi's time even had the cheek to do the same "snort" against the LORD!
Most worshippers of the LORD today would not intentionally or blatantly snort against the LORD (too dangerous). But Malachi 1:13 exhorts believers to watch out for snorts that are acted out by actions and attitudes powering these.
Ill-gotten animals (stolen and contravening commands against theft), torn or mutilated (tainted by imperfections or violence) and "lame or sick" which were themselves not even fit for human consumption (Exod. 22:31, to be thrown to dogs) were offered to the LORD during Malachi's time. Electronic transfers done today are less likely to be lame or sick. Ministries today of serving the LORD don't tear in the same way.
However, (1) the mere rituals, or (2) mechanical act of offering to the LORD or (3) even the mere posture of weariness attending to service in the sanctuary without the accompanying attitudes of the humility, repentance and faith might end up as a snort if worshippers were not careful. Breath. Don't blow against the LORD!
