Malachi 2:1-17
The LORD has a special instruction for His priests. To give glory to His Name, that was what they ought to have taken to heart (v. 2). Christian service has no other reason for its existence. Too often it is the servant who is glorified rather than his Lord.
Of whom other than Christ could it be said that "iniquity was not found in his lips" (v. 6)? Even the officers had to agree that "Never man spake like this man" (John 7:46). This perfection only serves the better to bring out the sad picture of the religious leaders in the Lord’s time: priests, scribes and Pharisees. He kept the covenant (v. 5); they corrupted it. He walked with God in peace and uprightness; they had departed from the way. He it was who "did turn many away from iniquity"; they "caused many to stumble" (vv. 6, 8, 9; Isaiah 9:16). "The law of truth was in his mouth"; they wearied the Lord with their words (v. 17; Matthew 6:7).
"Take heed to your spirit, that ye deal not treacherously" repeat vv. 15 and 16. Our spirit has the sensitivity of a magnetic tape. It keeps a record of all that is registered on it. Let us be on the watch to be occupied only with things that are true, pure, lovely, of good report . . . (Philippians 4:8).