I Know Nothing of Worship

So I am preaching through the book of Malachi. Its this little minor prophetic book at the end of the Old Testament. Hey, its a minor prophet but it is pushing me all over the place.

Last night, after hours of sermon preparation on chapter one and the sacrificial system, I have this sudden realization. In the sacrificial system the people would bring the very best of their flock, the animal that would breed in and strengthen their herd for future prosperity. That high quality animal was brought to the temple and then burned.

Burned up, not given to a widow or orphan. Burned up. Its like taking you highest paycheck of the year bringing it to church on Sunday and burning it up as an act of worship. Do that today and people will be diving for fire extinguisher shouting how foolish and psychotic you are. You would be labeled a fool. But that is what they did. Just burned it up so no one could use it.

As I realize that was designed act of worship and honor to God I have to admit that I don't know "something" about worship. It does point to two things:

1. God is greater than your greatest asset - so He worthy.
2. God is our greatest asset. We can burn out our best and still prosper.

I want to worship like that.

Am I deluding myself

wow, I am hurting. I wonder if I am just doing things wrong. Of course I don't know what would be "right." Maybe I am just having my own little pity-party. I probably am.

I try to extend myself to people, when they are in difficult and hard places. When others would throw their hands up and not invest in them, I invest and make a place for these people. At least I think I do. The last few days have been filled with reminders of how those very people reject me. They are very free to accuse me and critique me of weaknesses. Some feel free to write me off totally.

I need to know LORD, What do I do wrong? Do I exploit, control, demean?

I won't be able to know if I fall into self-pity.