Malachi 2:1-9  This message is again directed towards the priests.  Not only was God displeased with the defiled offerings.. He was angry at the priests who would not listen to Him. "If you do not listen and if you do not take it to heart to give honor to My name, says the Lord of hosts, then I well send the curse upon you, and I will curse your blessings.. "

Because their hearts were not resolved to honor God... because they offered unacceptable offerings.. because they did not teach Truth.. and do righteousness.. God said this, "But as for you, you have turned aside from the way; you have caused many to stumble by the instruction; you have corrupted the covenant of Levi.. "  Because they did not honor Him, God would bring dishonor upon them.  "Behold, I am going to rebuke your offspring, and I will spread refuse on your faces, the refuse of your feasts; and you will be taken away with it."  

The covenant of Levi, the Lord says, " was one of life and peace, and I gave them to him as an object of reverence; so he revered Me, and stood in awe of My name."  The tribe of Levi had been given a special position as God's servants.  They were to be His. They were given in place of every first born son which were God's possessions.  The first born son was to be set apart.. sanctified for service to God.  That is what the descendants of Levi were meant to be.  They were supposed to speak for God with "true instruction" to "preserve knowledge" and to be a "messenger of the Lord of hosts." 

Because of their disobedience and failure to honor God with all their hearts.. God made them "despised and abased before all the people." (v9) 

The priests and Levites during the time of Jesus were no better than these in Malachi's day.  They did not honor the Name of the Lord, they did not offer holy sacrifices.  Jesus said that their hearts were corrupt, like dead men's bones.  They did not even recognize or accept the True First born Son of God.  There is no temple to serve in, but , those who may be descendants of Levi  are integrated into the Israeli population, no longer in the position that God had given them. 

The Shepherd, our only High Priest, tells us to "Hallow" the Father's name.  God desires to give us true life in His Son.. He desires for us to do what the priests failed to do.. speak truth, preserve knowledge, and be a messenger of His Word.. and it must be done from a heart that is devoted fully to honor and revere Him. 

Father in heaven, Hallowed be Your Name!  You alone are God. You are good and ready to forgive. You are abundant in lovingkindness and You hear those who call upon You. We come asking that You would forgive us our trespasses against You. We ask that You would lead us on Your paths of righteousness and that You would guard our hearts. Help us to be fully devoted to You, fully kept in the arms of our Savior, Jesus Christ.. for it is in His Name that we trust and we pray. Amen.