Thoughts

Malachi is another Old Testament prophet about whom we know very little. Here’s what we do know. His name means “my angel”. That’s about it. Judaic tradition holds that Malachi was from the tribe of Zebulun and that he did not live a long life. 

The book was written after Zechariah and Haggai, and possibly during Nehemiah's time or soon thereafter. This is apparent by the topics covered in both Malachi and Nehemiah.

The message of the book of Malachi contains God’s charges against the people for the neglect of the rebuilt temple. You’ll remember that the prophets Haggai and Zechariah brought reproof for their neglecting to build the temple. In Malachi’s time, the temple had been rebuilt, but now it is neglected.

In addition, God charges them with profaning the temple by their behavior while there. 

There was a period of 400 years between Malachi and the birth of Jesus. Before beginning this period of silence, God used Malachi to speak more about the coming Messiah, and He told the people that His coming was close. Four hundred years might sound like a long time, but in the scheme of things, it’s not.

And finally, the people are reminded to keep the Mosaic law as they watch for the Messiah. A return of Elijah to the Earth is promised before the great and powerful day of the Lord arrives. Of course, the New Testament prophesies Elijah's return, too. You can find it in John 17:11-12 and Revelation 11:3-12. 

Most of the prophecies in Malachi have been fulfilled. But we who know and love Jesus are anxiously awaiting His return. It will not be a terrible time for those who know Him as their Lord and Savior. It will be a time of rejoicing. But woe to those who do not know Him. Woe indeed. 

Are you ready?

Today's Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today's episode: Ch. 1-4 GNT

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Live Not by Lies: A Manual for Christian Dissidents

By Rod Dreher / Sentinel

Aleksandr Solzhenitzyn once noted that people often assume that their democratic government would never submit to totalitarianism---but Dreher says it's happening. Sounding the alarm about the insidious effects of identity politics, surveillance technology, psychological manipulation, and more, he equips contemporary Christian dissidents to see, judge, and act as they fight to resist the erosion of our freedoms. 304 pages, hardcover from Sentinel.