Day 220 – Malachi: Climate of the times

“You will see it with your own eyes and say, ‘Great is the LORD – even beyond the borders of Israel!” Malachi 1:5 NIV

The city of Jerusalem and the Temple had been rebuilt for almost a century around 430 BC, in which time Malachi served as a prophet to Judah. He was the last recorded prophet of the Old Testament. The people had become complacent in their worship of God, and their relationship with Him was broken because of their sin. Sin will be punished, but the few who repented would receive God’s blessing, highlighted in His promise to send the Messiah.

Malachi’s message for us today highlights that hypocrisy, neglecting God, and careless living have devastating consequences. Serving and worshipping god should be the primary focus of our lives, both now and in eternity.

The clear sketch we see throughout the Old Testament is affirmed in the book of Malachi – God’s name will be honored by people of other nations. God had a chosen people through whom he planned to save and bless the entire world. Through them, He would show the world His heart and how people should live with God. Today, God still wants to save and bless the world through all who believe in Him – Jews and Gentiles, through the salvation we receive through Jesus Christ.

Prayer: Father, as we end the last book of the Old Testament, I want to thank You for the rich and beautiful words of history and poetry affirming You as Creator and lover of us. Thank You for the preservation of Your Word throughout the ages for us to study and learn from today. Not just the captured history, but of Your love, mercy, long-suffering, patience, kindness, and goodness. You are a good Father. Amen.