Leftovers

LeftoversI grew up with four brothers which translates into leftovers being a rare thing. Heck we would fight over who gets to clean out the pot or lick the bowl. On the rare occasion when there were some leftovers my Dad usually called dibs on them, which was huge mistake because that only drew attention to their existence, which in turn caused their speedy disappearance. He tried hiding them but it was pointless considering his pack of five young blood hounds.Picture it, leftover meatloaf, pizza, lasagna, enchiladas, roast, jambalaya, stew, barbecued chicken, pulled pork, not even mentioning deserts, pies, cakes, cookies, or cinnamon rolls. Yes, leftovers are a fine thing. Raise your hand if you agree.Picture this, you invited your boss, or your senator, or your children’s principal (they might be less than excited about that), or your new neighbors, your good friends, or even your preacher over for dinner. Raise your hand if you would even consider inviting them to a dinner of leftovers. (Well, maybe I should have left your preacher off the list, they’re known for eating just about anything.) As tasty as leftovers can be we do not consider them when serving guests, especially important guests.This is precisely the point of the last book of the Old Testament, Malachi. God confronts the ancient Israelites and us regarding leftovers, not leftover food, but the leftovers of life. "Isn't it true that a son honors his father and a worker his master? So if I'm your Father, where's the honor? If I'm your Master, where's the respect? … when you offer worthless animals for sacrifices in worship, animals that you're trying to get rid of—blind and sick and crippled animals—isn't that defiling? Try a trick like that with your banker or your senator—how far do you think it will get you? the Lord Almighty asks you” Malachi 1:8 (MSG, italics mine). God got the leftovers when it came to their time and worship, their personal lives and families, and their resources and money. That in turn was reflection where God really ranked, figured into their lives. And how does God rank in your life? How does He figure into your existence, the routine of your life? How much respect does He get in the management of your time, your money, your decisions, and your relationships and family?My prayer is that every time you eat some leftovers you will be reminded to not serve leftovers to God, but to show Him respect and to honor Him by giving Him the first and the best.To God be all glory, love you, Pastor Hans