Contemplative Bible Reading

Malachi 1:14 (New Living Translation)

14 “Cursed is the cheat who promises to give a fine ram from his flock but then sacrifices a defective one to the Lord. For I am a great king,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies, “and my name is feared among the nations!

Cursed is the cheater. The cheater promises a fine animal for a sacrifice. Then on sacrifice day, the cheater brings in a ram that is defective and would die in a day or too from its defects.

There are several things about the cheater. One, the cheater says one thing, but does something else. Just say something nice and expected in front of people, but turn around and do whatever whenever when no one is there.

Another, the cheater is less than devoted to God. Yes, the cheater brings in a ram and gives it away. Okay, giving up livestock is giving up money. The cheater, however, gives up a ram that is almost worthless. The cheater’s flock is better without that defective ram. The cheater benefits from his less-than-devoted choices.

Cursed is the cheat. Not a good place to be.