Devotion to God was in a sorry state when Malachi declared God’s words to the people. Instead of bringing their best to the temple, the people brought animals that were blind, sick, and lame (Malachi 1:8). Instead of entering His gates with hearts of gratitude, the people made their offerings in weariness and scorn (Malachi 1:13). Instead of guarding the truth and promoting righteousness, priests caused the people to stumble (Malachi 2:8). Through Malachi’s words, you can hear the heart of God breaking over the shabby sham that Israel called worship. He says:

For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed. From the days of your fathers you have turned aside from my statutes and have not kept them. Return to me, and I will return to you, says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:6-7, ESV

God did not turn His back on the people – God does not change. As the scriptures tell us again and again, God is slow to anger, abounding in love (see Psalms 86, 103, 145; Joel 2; Jonah 4; Nahum 1; and Nehemiah 9). He looks down at the half-hearted worship of Malachi’s time in disappointment, but He’s always looking for their change of heart. The whole point of speaking through the prophet is to persuade their hearts back to genuine worship.

How, then, can the people return to Him? He answers this question clearly: stop robbing Me. Stop bringing Me your leftovers. Stop talking about worship as a drudgery. Stop calling evil good and good evil. Offer Me what is right (God says) and see what I have in store for you!

Bring the full tithe into the storehouse, that there may be food in my house. And thereby put me to the test, says the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven for you and pour down for you a blessing until there is no more need. I will rebuke the devourer for you, so that it will not destroy the fruits of your soil, and your vine in the field shall not fail to bear, says the Lord of hosts. Then all nations will call you blessed, for you will be a land of delight, says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi 3:10-12, ESV

Notice how loving God is. When Israel’s worship was a lifeless lump, God calls them back to Him… and promises blessings!

God does not change – if your worship has been paltry and pale, return to Him! Don’t rob Him of the honor and glory He deserves. He offers the same life of blessing if you’ll recommit to giving Him your best.