Malachi 1:13

"'What a weariness this is,' you say, and you sniff at me, says the Lord of hosts. You bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick, and this you bring as your offering!  Shall I accept that from your hand?" (Malachi 1:13)

Comment:

Little is known about this prophet; we may not even know his real name, since 'malachi' means 'my messenger' in Hebrew. His major concern is fidelity to the Sinai covenant between the Lord and His people. This passage is directed at the priests, who have apparently been slacking off and cutting corners as they carried out their sacred duties. They're bored with their work, finding it a 'weariness.' Whereas the covenant is very specific that a burnt offering must be a perfect and unblemished animal which has not been violently slain, the priests of Malachi's time have become lazy and careless. No wonder things are going badly for Jerusalem, according to the prophet.

I think it's easy to recognize a similar energy as we tend to our own spiritual duties. We often start out with zeal and enthusiasm; but eventually we may become bored and careless about our spiritual practice. The Law is clear: we will receive from our efforts according to the energy we put into them. If the results are disappointing, it means that our own creative energy is lacking.

Blessings!

Rev. Ed