TOPIC: THE LIPS OF A PRIEST OUGHT TO PRESERVE KNOWLEDGE
TEXT: Malachi2:1-9(NKJV)
2:1. “And now, O priests, this commandment is for you.
2:2. If you will not hear, And if you will not take [it] to heart, To give glory to My name,” Says the LORD of hosts, “I will send a curse upon you, And I will curse your blessings. Yes, I have cursed them already, Because you do not take [it] to heart.
2:3. “Behold, I will rebuke your descendants And spread refuse on your faces, The refuse of your solemn feasts; And [one] will take you away with it.
2:4. Then you shall know that I have sent this commandment to you, That My covenant with Levi may continue,” Says the LORD of hosts.
2:5. “My covenant was with him, [one] of life and peace, And I gave them to him [that he might] fear [Me;] So he feared Me And was reverent before My name.
2:6. The law of truth was in his mouth, And injustice was not found on his lips. He walked with Me in peace and equity, And turned many away from iniquity.
2:7. “For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge, And [people] should seek the law from his mouth; For he is the messenger of the LORD of hosts.
2:8. But you have departed from the way; You have caused many to stumble at the law. You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,” Says the LORD of hosts.
2:9. “Therefore I also have made you contemptible and base Before all the people, Because you have not kept My ways But have shown partiality in the law.”
STUDY:
Malachi in our text offers a plain message directed at the priests of Israel. This message also holds valuable lessons for all of us called to leadership roles, whether within the church or in our daily lives. God entrusted the priests with the task of being guardians and teachers, ensuring God’s instructions reached the people. However, God laments that the priests have scattered his instruction “to the wind” and “turned away” from the covenant (vv. 3&4). This neglect has consequences-God threatened to “curse their blessings” and “‘spread dung over their faces” (v.5).
As leaders, religious or secular, we hold a great responsibility. We are entrusted with guiding others, shaping their understanding, and setting an example. When we fail to uphold our responsibilities, the consequences can be great. We risk misleading those we are called to serve, and our influence can be tarnished. Our passage today highlights that the Levite priests of old were committed to their calling and served with integrity. Today’s leaders are challenged to reflect on old-time faith and leaders, follow their example, embody the values they preach, and guide others with honesty and dedication. Our actions speak louder than words. If we don’t live by the principles we advocate, we “cause many to stumble in the law” (v.8).
PRAYER:
Dear God, help me to be faithful stewards of your word and grace; Amen!
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