While we may argue the applicability of the principles outlined in Malachi 1:6-7 to New Testament believers, our Lord raised the bar in the instructions to His disciples on how to pray.

After this manner therefore pray ye: Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven. Matthew 6:9-10

Matthew 6:9-10 outlines without a doubt the responsibilities defining sonship. The Lord Jesus lived these same principles as set out in John 17, recommended for in-depth study for everyone who claims God as His Father and as later repeated in 1 Peter 1:16 – Be ye holy; for I am holy. 

The model of His life as a reference to follow demands not doing anything to tarnish the holiness. Are you living conscious of this? Are you living in constant expectation of His coming kingdom and in recognition that you are the vehicle through which His will in heaven will be manifestly done on earth? Are we, are you living as demanded in John 17:6-8;18-19?

Father, I have manifested who you really are and I have revealed you to the men and women that you gave to me. They were yours, and you gave them to me, and they have fastened your Word firmly to their hearts. And now at last they know that everything I have is a gift from you, and the very words you gave to me to speak I have passed on to them. They have received your words and carry them in their hearts. They are convinced that I have come from your presence, and they have fully believed that you sent me to represent you… I have commissioned them to represent me just as you commissioned me to represent you. And now I dedicate myself to them as a holy sacrifice so that they will live as fully dedicated to God and be made holy by your truth. John 17:6-8,18-19 TPT

If for illustration purpose, the shepherd is model for priest (ref Malachi 2:5-8) and their responsibility to general Israel (Malachi 1:6), we should answer for ourselves a number of key questions.

What is the quality of your offerings to God – those following you (disciples)? What are you producing (Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23; John 12:26)? Where will you end with your service (Matthew 7:23)? 

If these demands in Malachi characterise an inferior priesthood (Aaronic Priesthood), how much more the demands under the superior priesthood that we sing about, the Melchisedek priesthood that speaks to the power of an endless life? Selah.



Pastor Afolabi Oladele