It's here: Part 9 of the 9 part series - how to get prayers answered
The Rhythm of The Prophets Part I -D19
DAILY DEVOTIONAL
9/19/20261 min read
Leftovers
“And when you offer the blind as a sacrifice, Is it not evil? And when you offer the lame and sick, Is it not evil?” — Malachi 1:8, NKJV
Picture yourself walking toward the altar with an animal you have already decided you can live without. It is blind or injured, something you would never offer to an honored guest. But for God, you decide it will do.
That is what Malachi sees happening in Israel.
The people have not abandoned worship. They are still bringing sacrifices. The problem is what their sacrifices reveal: God is receiving what they do not mind losing.
We no longer carry animals to an altar, but leftovers can still find their way into our relationship with God. We give Him the few minutes remaining after everything else has our attention. We offer obedience as long as it costs very little. We bring Him exhausted hearts after pouring our best energy everywhere else.
Then we look at Jesus.
God did not search heaven for something He could spare. He gave His Son. Christ did not offer us whatever remained after He protected Himself. He gave His life.
When Calvary becomes more than a familiar story, worship begins to change. The question stops being, How little can I give and still call this devotion? Love begins asking, How could I give Him anything less than my heart?
This is not about earning God’s love. We give ourselves to Christ because we have already been loved beyond measure.
If someone examined your time, attention, and obedience, would they conclude that Jesus receives your first love or your leftovers?
Identify one area where Christ has been receiving what remains. Intentionally give Him your best there today.
Scripture Promise:
“We love Him because He first loved us.” — 1 John 4:19, NKJV
Prayer:
Father, help me to make you first and last in all my days. In Jesus name I pray, Amen.
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