Our very best

Malachi 1:1-14; Luke 21:1-4

The Israelites and their priests were rebuked by the Lord for “offering polluted food on my altar, [offering] blind animals… those that are lame or sick…” (Mal. 1:7-8). This is completely in contravention to the provisions of Deuteronomy 17:1. Therefore, the Lord said to them, “I have no pleasure in you… and I will not accept an offering from your hands” (Mal. 1:10). Not only this, the Lord sighed, “What a weariness this is” (Mal. 1:10).

On the other hand, while many rich people gave gifts into the treasury, a “poor widow” put in two copper coins (Lk. 21:1-2). Lord Jesus Christ said, “Truly I tell you, this poor widow has put in more than all of them” (Lk. 21:3).

Indeed, how do we worship the living God today?

• David, when he wanted to build an altar for the Lord, Araunah was about to gift the king his land. But David said, “I will not offer burnt offerings to the Lord my God that cost me nothing” (2 Sam. 24:24).
• Abel gave to the Lord, the best from among his flocks for which the Lord was glad (Gen. 4:3-5).
• Abraham was willing to sacrifice his only son Isaac, knowing that, “God himself will provide the lamb for a burnt offering” (Gen. 22:8).
• The poor widow in Luke 21 also gave her everything, two leptons (two cooper coins) (Lk. 21:1-4).
• There are many other instances in the Bible where we see some faithful people giving their everything to the Lord.
• God himself gave us “His only begotten Son” (Jn. 3:16) for us sinners.

Now, let us think for a moment. Won’t we give to the Lord at least our time, attention, or our hearts?

• Abel gave his very best from among the flocks
• Abraham gave his only son Isaac
• The poor widow gave her all
• God gave us His only begotten Son

What will you give to the Lord today?