Being a spiritual leader comes with a burden of responsibility. Commissioned to provide biblical teaching, moral guidance, and spiritual hope, walking closely with God and listening to him are critical in sustaining wise and effective leadership (v 2). 

Despite God’s covenant with Levi, the tribe set aside for priestly duties (Numbers 1:47–53), the treachery of these leaders is dramatically exposed by God (vs 1–3); rather than teaching the truth, and living out this truth, they have violated the covenant, which promises both life and peace, causing many to stumble. Not only have these leaders gone their own way, but tragically have caused others to become unfaithful, disloyal, rejecting the path set out by God (v 8). How easy it can be to deceive ourselves that our choices will cause no harm.

God reminds his people of the foundations which others have given them for true spiritual leadership (vs 5,6). Then he sets out some principles for their behaviour and words: truth and upright living are out-workings of this walk with God; their example will keep others from going wrong (v 7). Whatever part we play in leading others spiritually (maybe as a friend, a parent, in a ministry in our church), how closely are we walking with our God? Do our words and lives turn others towards him – or away from him?

‘But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession’.¹ What a privilege and what a responsibility!

Malachi’s second oracle continues with a warning to the priests. If we think that this applies only to church leaders, we should heed Peter’s words above. Every Christian belongs to a ‘royal priesthood’ and has priestly responsibilities. Malachi warns the priests that they must be determined to give honour (kābhȏdh) to God’s name. They are to give a true picture of who and what God is by their teaching and way of life. Kābhȏdh also means ‘glory’. Paul tells the Corinthian Christians, ‘So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God.’²

God warns the priests that failing to glorify him puts them under a curse that extends to their seed. This could mean their descendants, or the crops from which came the tithes and offerings on which they depended, or both (v 3). In strong language he speaks of humiliating them. Their faces will be smeared with the entrails of the sacrifices, making them ritually impure. These parts were usually taken away from God’s presence to be burnt outside the city. The priests should go with them! They deserve such rejection because they are not living up to their responsibilities, the ‘covenant with Levi’ (vs 4,8). There is no mention in the Old Testament of when this covenant was made, but it is alluded to elsewhere.³ Keeping it required giving ‘True instruction’ and walking with God ‘in peace and uprightness’ (v 6) – that is, both a good knowledge and understanding of the Law and a deep personal relationship with God. Only such people can be effective priests, standing between God and others, helping them to turn from sin towards God. Micah says that God expects all his people ‘To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God’.⁴ Those who do this will enjoy ‘life and peace’ (v 5).

Think of a responsibility or gift you have and consider prayerfully how to fulfil the responsibility or use the gift to glorify God.

¹ 1 Pet 2:9  ² 1 Cor 10:31  ³ Neh 13:29; Jer 33:21  ⁴ Mic 6:8