The Minor Prophets, Messengers for Today: Malachi, Messenger of Hope

The Minor Prophets, Messengers for Today:  Malachi, Messenger of Hope

By Rev. Lonnie C. Crowe

The book of Malachi closes that part of the biblical canon that we call the Old Testament.  After the message given to Malachi, God is silent until the coming birth of our Lord.  Malachi’s message is for God’s people, Israel.  In the same manner it is for the Church today. 

God’s people had turned against Him.  Their first step into sin was their rejection of the truth that God loved them.  They mocked and sneered at Truth.  They offered less than their best in sacrifice. God blamed the priests because they had not properly instructed the people.

  

In his epistle, James wrote: “My brethren, let not many of you become teachers, knowing that we shall receive a stricter judgment James 3:1 (NKJV).  Stepping into any leadership position, all of which require some degree of teaching, requires caution and reliance on the Holy Spirit. 

We will not grow in our Christian walk unless we are taught and properly discipled.  

 Earlier the prophet Hosea had recorded the words of the Lord^{: "}My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge. Because you have rejected knowledge, I also will reject you from being priest for Me; Because you have forgotten the law of your God, I also will forget your children” (Hosea 4:6 NKJV).

The commandments and statutes of the Lord are given as a road map to a more peaceful lifestyle.  They are a GPS guiding us through the treacherous highways and byways of a world plagued by sin and despair.

The book of Proverbs warns: “Whoever digs a pit will fall into it, And he who rolls a stone will have it roll back on him. A lying tongue hates those who are crushed by it, And a flattering mouth works ruin” (Proverbs 26:27-28 NKJV). When we ignore and ridicule our GPS, we are destroyed by our own thought patterns and behaviors.  We are destroyed by our lack of knowledge.

Moses warned the Israelites who had claimed land east of the Jordan that in order to have peace, they must follow the commands of God:  “But if you do not do so, then take note, you have sinned against the LORD; and be sure your sin will find you out” Numbers 32:23 (NKJV).

The many sins of our nation are being revealed.  That sin pattern as seeped into the lives of many who name of the name of Jesus.  Be sure, our sin will find us out.

Yet, Malachi brings hope in the midst of despair.  That hope is predicated in faithful obedience and humble worship.

^“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, And the LORD listened and heard them; So a book of remembrance was written before Him For those who fear the LORD And who meditate on His name.
 "They shall be Mine," says the LORD of hosts, "On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them As a man spares his own son who serves him."
Then you shall again discern Between the righteous and the wicked, Between one who serves God And one who does not serve Him” Malachi 3:16-18 (NKJV).

The book of remembrance is written for the faithful.  We must be reminded that those who walk in reverential awe of God, those who meditate on the power, the glory, the majesty, the grace and mercy of God are His jewels.  Those faithful jewels will be spared.  They will dwell under the shadow of the Almighty.  (Psalm 91).