What honor and privilege belong to the men and women who trust and hope in Yahweh! (Jer. 17:7). They serve a great king (Mal. 1:14) and are constituted a “royal priesthood, an holy nation.” It is, therefore, incumbent upon them to “shew forth the virtues of him who hath called (them) out of darkness into his marvelous light” (I Pet. 2:9). We then understand why Paul said, “Whatsoever ye do, do it heartily as unto the Lord.” In another place, he says, “Do all to the glory of the Lord.” The reason is simple: every one who is called by His name has been created for His glory (Isa. 43:7). Our character must be consistent with the high calling of God in Christ Jesus that our works might glorify the Father who is in heaven (Matt. 5:16).
In Malachi’s day
Unfortunately, the ecclesia of Malachi’s day had to be reminded of their high calling and privileged position as servants of this great king. Religious duties were being conducted carelessly and without regard to Almighty God: “Offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person?” (Mal. 1:8). They were offering the “blind for sacrifice,” and “the lame and sick” even though they were forbidden to sacrifice blemished animals (Deut. 16:21). Their worship was lacking life, sincerity and earnestness. The zeal for the Truth that characterized an earlier generation was nearly extinguished. In its place, ignorance (1:6), indifference (1:13) and self-interest (3:8) took root and were tolerated. This seduced Yahweh’s servants to commit spiritual fornication (cp Rev. 2:20).
Our time
History repeats itself. Several generations have elapsed since the pioneer brethren labored to revive the Truth. They understood what it meant to be “a living sacrifice” (Rom. 12:1). To Bro. John Thomas, the Truth was a matter of life and death. It interfered with his career, involved him in journeying’s often, in perils amongst false brethren, in bodily discomforts and fatigue, in much labor and great personal expense. Where is that spirit today in the brotherhood? Brethren groan and complain when they have to exhort or give classes! What was said in Malachi’s day? “What a weariness it is!” (Mal. 1:13). When brethren are asked to perform tasks, excuses are often made and the tasks are not performed or done poorly. Another echo is heard: “Ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil?” (Mal. 1:8).
In His service
As God’s sons and daughters (2 Cor. 6:18), we have the honor of laboring in His Majesty’s service. Let us be reassured that God “Is a rewarder of them that diligently seek him” (Heb. 11:6). While we sojourn in this wilderness of life, let us not be slothful in service (Heb. 6:12), but rather, aim to glorify God in our body and in our spirit (1 Cor. 6:20). Remember, no other king is greater than He, nay, not one, for He is Yahweh Tz’vaoth, “He who will be manifested in armies.” The Psalmist declares, “honour and majesty are before him…give unto Yahweh the glory due unto his name” (Psa. 96:8).
The Origin of the Organic World – Part One