The Study of Malachi: Does God Really Care How I Worship?

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“DOES GOD REALLY CARE HOW I WORSHIP?”

I. INTRODUCTION

One may question the relevance of studying Malachi, a book that could be seen as relatively insignificant at the tail end of the Minor Prophets, however a detailed look will show that the people of Malachi’s day struggled with some of the same issues as the modern church today.

An almost overwhelming emphasis is put on worship in the present church and the mode by which that worship is conveyed. Differences in the approach of worship have caused much debate and consideration, even to the point of hostility and division in some factions. An honest discussion of worship should lead to the question “Does God really care how I worship?” Worship is an important facet of our relationship with God, it is vital that we honor Him in the manner that He set forth and desires.

II. ISRAELITE WORSHIP

God used the ministry of Moses to give the Israelite people specific instructions on how they were to worship. The book of Leviticus set forth the details on how they were to approach God and what was acceptable to Him. Worship needs to be pleasing to God, a great example of this notion is seen in the life of Cain (Genesis 4:5). His worship was not what God had asked for and was therefore unacceptable. The worship of the Israelites in the Old Testament was very formal and involved certain routines carried out by the high priest. When the priests came to worship for the people they had to wear special garments, partake in cleansing procedures and offer sacrifices according to the restrictions of the law. All of these practices represented the person and work of the Lord Jesus Christ and were, prior to His coming, facilitated as a means of confession for the sins of the Jewish people.

I...

... middle of paper ...

...of Malachi is that the people had failed to understand their own God. As Christians we are challenged to avoid the same mistake.

Works Cited

Baldwin, Joyce G. Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi. Downers Grove. InterVarsity Press: 1972

Basden, Paul. The Worship Maze. Downers Grove. InterVarsity Press: 1999

Falwell, Jerry. Liberty Bible Commentary. Lynchburg. Thomas Nelson Publishers: 1983

McGee, J. Vernon. Thru the Bible. Nashville. Thomas Nelson Publishers: 1983.

Perry, Tobin. “Ten Ways to Worship Without Music.” Christianity Today 2003.

http//www.christianitytoday.com/bcl/areas/worship/articles/040127.html

Segler, Franklin M. Christian Worship. Second Edition. Nashville. Broadman & Holman Publishers: 1996

Towns, Elmer. Putting an End to Worship Wars. Nashville. Broadman & Holman Publishers:1997

Wolf, Herbert M. Haggai and Malachi. Chicago. Moody Press:1976

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