Malachi 1-2

“You cover the LORD's altar with tears, with weeping and groaning because he no longer regards the offering” (2:13).  Malachi preached that God’s original covenant with Israel was about “life and peace,” but the current priests were not teaching people the truth (2:2-7).  The people continued to give offerings and make sacrifices, but God didn’t accept them, because they were divorcing their spouses (2:14-16), calling evil good, and ignoring God’s expectations (2:17).

“I have loved you, says the Lord” (1:2).  Because God loves us, He calls us to live with integrity and faithfulness, obeying Him in all things and so finding the “life and peace” we desire.