Malachi
Twelve Minor Prophets With Major Life Lessons (Series)
Malachi lived almost 100 years after the Israelites had returned from exile in Babylon.
Israel’s Blessing (1:1–5):
God’s blessings of Jacob’s descendants.
God brings a downfall on Esau’s descendants.
The temple had been rebuilt but they felt neglected. Why?
Israel’s toxic actions (1:6–2:17; 3:5–15):
The priests’ sins and rebellion.
They despise and dishonor God’s holy name.
They offer polluted sacrifices.
They pervert God’s Word, causing many to stumble.
Their rebuke: God warns that the priests and their descendants will be severely punished if they do not repent.
Their role model: Levi, the tribe’s founder.
The people’s sins.
They are untrue to each other.
They marry foreign wives.
They divorce their wives.
They claim evil is good.
They are sorcerers, adulterers, liars, cheaters.
They rob and slander God.
God’s invitation (3:6–7): Repent!
God’s Promises to Israel (3:1b–4, 3:2-4, 3:16–18; 4:1–4)
Christ’s coming
The place: The millennial Temple
Israel’s cleansing
To be refined as silver and gold.
To be regarded as treasure.
The essentials:
-Christ will bring with him a scroll of remembrance, in which he will record the names of those who love and fear him.
-He will punish the wicked.
-The Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings!
For the future remnant, the day of the Lord will be joyous.
Israel’s Prophets (3:1a; 4:4–6)
Malachi refers to two key prophets.
John the Baptist introduces Christ’s first coming. Elijah will introduce Christ’s second coming.
God will send a new Moses and Elijah to restore God’s people and restore their hearts. (Deut. 30, Jer. 31, Ez. 36)
God’s word tells the truth about the human condition, but it promises that God will send a Messiah to conquer evil, restore His people, and bring healing justice. Now, trust and wait on the Lord!
