Day 215 – Malachi: Introduction

“The day of judgment is coming, burning like a furnace … But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture.” Malachi 4:1-2 NLT

A vase shatters, brushed by a careless elbow; a toy breaks, handled roughly by young fingers; fabric rips, pulled by angry hands. Spills and rips take time to clean up, effort to repair, and money to replace, but far more costly are shattered relationships. Unfaithfulness, lies, hateful words, and forsaken vows tear delicate personal bonds and inflict wounds not easily healed. Most tragic, however, is a broken relationship with God.

God loves perfectly and completely. And one way He shows His love is through action – giving, guiding, and guarding. He is altogether faithful, true to his promises to His chosen people. But consistently, they spurn their loving God, breaking the covenant, following other gods, and living for themselves. The relationship is shattered.

But the breach is not irreparable; all hope is not lost. God can heal, mend, and reweave the fabric. Forgiveness is available – and that is grace. Unmerited and unmeasured. This is the message of Malachi, God’s prophet in Jerusalem. His words reminded the Jews, God’s chosen nation, of their wilful disobedience, beginning with the priests and then including every person. Malachi sketches a stunning picture of Israel’s unfaithfulness, clearly showing they are worthy of punishment, but woven throughout is a beautiful message of hope for the future.

Prayer: Father, thank You for Your faithfulness and that You pursue my heart because You have loved me first. Thank You for the promises and prophecies in Malachi pointing towards Jesus, who came because of Your love. Guide through this last book of the Old Testament with an anticipation of flipping the page to the new. Amen.