READ: MALACHI 3:1; 4:5; MARK 1:1-3; LUKE 1:11-17

The book of Malachi in the Bible contains an oracle, or a message from God. The name Malachi means “my messenger,” and it’s the last book in the Old Testament. It’s God’s final message to His people before 400 years of silence.

By the time the prophet Malachi came on the scene, about a century had passed since the first Israelites returned from the seventy-year exile in Babylon. This exile was a consequence of their disobedience and unfaithfulness to God.

Shortly after their return to Jerusalem (538 BC), they began reconstruction on the Temple, which took about 20 years to complete (we read about rebuilding the Temple in the books of Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and Zechariah). But it only took a few decades before the priests and the people became complacent in their worship and neglectful in the care of the Temple, as well as in their observances, duties, and devotion to God. Once again, God’s people had become disobedient and unfaithful. And once again, God sent yet another prophet, Malachi (around 430 BC), to call His people to repentance and restoration of their relationship with God.

Malachi uses questions and answers from God, much like how a teacher uses questions and answers to get students to think and help them learn lessons. And like a loving parent, Malachi begins with God’s affirmation: “I have always loved you” (Malachi 1:2).

After confronting the priests and people about their sins relating to worship, sacrifices, lifestyles, tithing, and twisting the truth, Malachi proclaims hope. As we read Malachi 3:1, we see God’s prophecy and promise to send a messenger who will prepare the way for the coming Messiah.

When God’s 400 years of silence ends, we read in the New Testament about the fulfilled prophecy of Malachi. The messenger, John the Baptist, has come telling God’s people, once again, to repent of their sins. And as foretold, John proclaims the good news about the promised Messiah, Jesus, who will forgive sins and provide the way to spend eternity with Him. • Lynda Boucher

• Isn’t it amazing to think that God kept His promise 400 years after He made it? What can this show us about God’s character?

• What questions do you have about the book of Malachi? Who could you talk to about it?

Let us hold tightly without wavering to the hope we affirm, for God can be trusted to keep his promise. Hebrews 10:23 (NLT)