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"Entreat God’s favour"

Text: Malachi 1:9

SEEKING GOD’S BLESSINGS

It is natural to desire God’s blessings. Israel knew that the very survival of the nation would depend upon God’s favour. The people who played a key role in praying for the nation were the priests and the Levites.

“‘But now entreat God’s favour,
That He may be gracious to us.
While this is being done by your hands,
Will He accept you favourably?’
Says the LORD of hosts.”
Malachi 1:9

1. “But now entreat God’s favour”

a) This would be a typical request of the people of Israel.

b) They would turn to the priests and the Levites.

i) They had been chosen by the Lord (Numbers 3:1-13).

ii) Their tasks were clearly delineated (1 Chronicles 23:30-32).

c) Entreaties

i) By giving “perfect offerings” (Leviticus 22:17-23).

ii) By humble prayers from the heart.

2. “That He may be gracious to us”

a) The priests and Levites were to pray that God would show grace and mercy.

b) Their prayers were essentially intercessory.

3. “While this is being done by your hands”

a) The people were offering sick animals.

b) The priests and Levites despised the work they were doing.

4. “‘Will He accept you favourably?’ says the LORD of hosts.”

a) How could they have expected that the LORD would accept the offerings?

b) How could they expect God would regard them favourably?

c) How could they expect God to hear their prayers?