MALACHI
Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament and the last of the twelve minor prophetical books. They are known as “Minor Prophets” (Hosea-Malachi) because of their length, as compared to the “Major Prophets” (Isaiah-Daniel). Their messages certainly weren’t minor in importance.
The name Malachi means “my messenger.” That’s what the prophets were—messengers for God. And Malachi’s message is a powerful one. His prophecy (450-425 BC) was a warning to the people of Jerusalem regarding their lack of fervor for the work of God. The priests and the people were disrespecting God in a multitude of ways. His commands and laws were being ignored, in spite of the faithful mercy he had shown them.
It had not been long since the Israelites were liberated from Babylonian captivity. That dark time of bondage to the Babylonians should have been a cause for spiritual awakening, but the people had failed to learn their lesson. The captivity had been God’s punishment for rejection of his love and his laws, yet the Israelites were now doing the same things all over again. Malachi was sent to warn the people yet again that rebellion against God would only lead to misery and problems.
The message was a familiar one: repent and turn back to God. Whenever his people dishonored him, God’s message was the same. They were always invited to come back. “Return to me and I will return to you,” is the invitation of God’s unfailing love (3:7). And always among the warnings are the promises. Malachi’s “good news” was that the coming Messiah would make things right.
Though we all sin and have done many things wrong, God’s promise is still the same. If we repent and turn back to him, he will receive us. The gospel message is one of redemption and forgiveness. God loves us more than we can grasp or understand.
The warnings against rebellion are there—ignoring and disobeying God can only lead to trouble. But the promises of restoration and forgiveness through Christ are always available to the one who will say, “I’m sorry,” and give their heart back to God. This is the message we need to always remember as we seek to do better than before.
Dewayne Dunaway
