It's unknown who wrote the Book of Malachi, which was written 100 years after the Israelites returned to their land after the Babylonian exile.

Malachi, a pivotal text, was penned 400 years prior to the advent of the New Testament, marking a significant period in biblical history.

The Book of Malachi is the last book of the Old Testament, the final book of the 12 minor prophets that started with the Book of Hosea.

In Malachi, we will see six arguments or claims by God, and the Israelites disagree with or question God's responses. These arguments are in chapters 1-3.

Zechariah 14:1-21; John 8:12; James 1:17-18; Revelation 19:14

In today's scripture in Zechariah, we see the light of the world ruling, not forcing people to worship, but indicating that if it's not done, he will not provide rain, which means no crops or life. We don't have to worship God, now or ever, but if we do, we will reap a harvest of a good life. God does not need us to worship him. He has his angels to do so, but he desires us to see his goodness in our day-to-day life, and out of this overflow of his goodness, we would yearn to worship with all we are.

Zechariah 13:1-9; Matthew 24:21-22; Jeremiah 30:7; John 3:16.

In this chapter, Zechariah reveals a profound truth. In their human weakness, the disciples deserted Jesus in the midst of his torture, beating, and accusations. Yet, Jesus' life was not taken from him. No, he offered it up willingly for his children, for us, His chosen ones. Let us reflect on this sacrifice with gratitude and humility.  

The disciples scattered when he needed them the most. Don't worry; God will not leave you alone when you need the most help. He is a compassionate God who wants his children to come to him, ask for repentance, and acknowledge that he is the only one who can cleanse them from all their unrighteousness.   

Today, I encourage you to ask for forgiveness and repent from your heart. God yearns to walk with his children so they can reap all the benefits of his great love and compassion toward us. Also, pray for your enemies so God can work on their hearts. 

Zechariah 12:1-14; Psalm 122:6; Romans 11:26; 2 Chronicles 35:22-25

In this chapter of Zechariah, the Lord presents Israel's future salvation and how they will mourn for Jesus, the one who was pierced for them.

The surrounding nations of Israel are for their destruction, but God says he will prosper the nations that love Israel as an ally. The United States needs to remain in that position and protect God's land.

Therefore, I urge you today to demonstrate your faithfulness by actively praying for the peace of Jerusalem, for it is through this act that protection from the Mighty One will flow to those who do.  

Zechariah 11:1-17; Matthew 26:15; Matthew 27:3-5, 7; Daniel 9:27

Let us delve into the profound prophecy of Zechariah, who foretold the fate of the thirty pieces of silver that would be used to betray our Lord, a revelation from God Himself. This prophecy, now fulfilled, is vividly recorded in the writings of Matthew.

God is so gracious to us now that we have his complete instructions as to how we should live and who we are to follow and not to follow. His scriptures were written for us to be guided and prevented from the unfolding future.  

Today, be guided by God's word, which he graciously gave us to live by and be alerted of things that could happen in this world and to us.

Zechariah 10:1-12; Cornerstone: Psalm 118:22-23; Isaiah 28:16; Matthew 21:42; Matthew 7:24-27; 1 Peter 2:4-5; Acts 4:11; Tent Peg: Isaiah 22:23-24; Bow of Battle: Isaiah 63:1-4; Every Ruler: Revelation 19:16.

Today's passage by Zechariah paints a vivid picture of Jesus as the cornerstone, tent peg, bow of battle, and every ruler. These powerful metaphors underscore his unwavering strength and stability, making him the only foundation that can sustain any building. As the song goes, he is 'the rock in which we stand.'

The enemy may blow on us, but he can't destroy us, for Jesus is the rock and the sustainer of his church.

I encourage you today to place your faith in Jesus so that when hard times come, you can withstand any attack and blow. He can cease any wind, as he did when the storm was hitting the boat when he was with the disciples. 

You will never regret placing your trust in Him.

Zechariah 9:1-17; Matthew 21:1-11; Psalm 118:26

The Lord fulfilled a prophecy, his triumphant entry into Jerusalem, which Zechariah saw.

Jesus, our King, while on earth, was a humble king compared to no other king.  

Today, he is an accessible king who wants to have an intimate relationship with us. We can do that when we come humbly to him and surrender our lives to him.

He came humbly, and in his humility, he calls us to be humble. This mutual humility allows us to achieve great things for his kingdom, guided by his power and our humble surrender.

Zechariah 8:1-23, Matthew 19:26, 2 Corinthians 3:18, Proverbs 18:10, Psalm 91:1-2

The Lord showed Zechariah the future blessing of our communion with others in the new city of Jerusalem, where Jesus would rule.

Jesus, with His transformative power, will change us from within, instilling in us a love for one another that mirrors His own. Our behavior towards His people will reflect His teachings and example.

Today, I encourage you to give your life to Christ and ask him to transform you into his likeness, for his ways are better than our ways. With this change, we can serve man and Him with a heart full of gratitude and awe of his love. 

Zechariah 7:1-14, Exodus 22:22-24, Ephesians 6:6-9

In this chapter, the Lord of Host revealed to Zechariah how the people are to serve him and do things that honor him.

We ought to serve God wholeheartedly and with great joy, in service to the widows, fatherless, strangers, and poor.

Our devotion to God should be a reflection of our innermost being, whether we are in prayer, serving at church, fasting, meditating, or praising God. It should be our genuine desire to please him, not to gain the approval of those who observe us, that should guide our actions.  

Today, I encourage you to do something nice to someone who is oppressed and going through a hard time. Seek God to see what you can do to make someone smile.

Zechariah 6:1-15, John 15:5, 1 Corinthians 6:19-20, Ephesians 2:19-22.

God desires us to follow His rules and commandments so that we can constantly renew and strengthen our bodies in His temple, which is the Holy Spirit. In this chapter, we witness the amazing revelation of Jesus as both a priest and a king, possessing unparalleled authority and wisdom to rule. Therefore, I encourage you to stay close to Jesus and allow His word to govern your heart, so that the process of sanctification can begin in your life. Those who have accepted Jesus as their Lord and Savior can continue to grow and prepare their bodies as a dwelling place for Him, which will bring honor and praise to Him.