Read Malachi 4:1-6
This is the last chapter of the Old Testament. That fact alone gives me goosebumps as I write this reflection. There will be a huge gap of time (400 years or so) between this writing and the New Testament. The people would have to wait a long time to see some of these prophecies fulfilled.
This prophecy would have given the faithful hope for the future. Like today, there were those obedient to God and his decrees in Malachi’s day. The unfaithful probably turned the other way and ignored Malachi altogether, in denial of their coming peril. People still refuse to listen to God’s word. This prophecy is no exception.
Did your heart leap in your chest like the calves in our verse, when you read about the joy we are awaiting? While others are indifferent, believers will rejoice. God’s covenant promise will be fulfilled. We will be one faithful community, healed of our infirmities, all on the same page of praising our reigning King Jesus. It’s how it was supposed to be all along.
Our final restoration is yet to come. The faithful will be saved from destruction and made new. The wicked, on the other hand, will have a different ending — an ending that is spelled out clearly. They will be burned up like straw. When God makes his move, “‘You will tread upon the wicked as if they were dust under your feet,’ says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.” That sounded a little morbid to me, but realize the wicked in that day are those who still deny God despite our efforts (and Malachi’s) to share the truth.
The book of Malachi doesn’t end with the verdict between righteous and wicked as you would expect. Malachi points us to the law of Moses. “Remember to obey the Law of Moses, my servant—all the decrees and regulations that I gave him on Mount Sinai for all Israel.” I don’t see this as a “suggestion” Today, as followers of Jesus, we realize “no one can ever be made right with God by doing what the law commands. The law simply shows us how sinful we are.” (Romans 3:20).
Today, we know Jesus came to fulfill the law, and “[w]e are made right with God by placing our faith in Jesus Christ.” (Romans 3:22) But the law is clearly important. Jesus own words in Matthew 5:17, “Don’t misunderstand why I have come. I did not come to abolish the law of Moses or the writings of the prophets. No, I came to accomplish their purpose.” The law shows us our sinfulness, our need for a Savior.
God also promises to send Elijah to help us. Here’s a summary of what I learned about that reference. The first Elijah already lived during the time of the kings. He did mighty things, like turn a whole nation away from idolatry (1 Kings 18).
The second Elijah, to whom Malachi refers, is John the Baptist (see also Malachi 3:1). John the Baptist issued the call to repentance and prepared the way for Jesus. How would the people respond? God hopes they will repent and accept his offer of grace and mercy. But if they do not, Malachi’s prophecy closes with the promise of a curse. For comparison, the final verse of the New Testament found in Revelation 22:21 reveals God’s heart beautifully. “May the grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s holy people.”
Let’s pray. Father God, thank you for how you have opened up your heart to let us see your dreams for us. You have given us all the warnings we need to be prepared and ready for your return. Forgive me for my rebellious self that can be deaf to your leading. Help me do a better job of making you top priority in my life. I want to live a life that pleases and honors you. Use me to help others see you like I do. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
