< Malachi 3 >

Malachi was the last prophet of the Old Testament, living about four hundred years before Christ, and he prophesied, not only of the coming of the Messiah, but also of his forerunner.v.1Waiting for response for Malachi 3:1 This role was performed by John the Baptist Luke 1:17Waiting for response for Luke 1:17 and will also be performed by Elijah at Jesus’ second coming. Jesus specifically applied this prophecy to John. Matthew 11:10Waiting for response for Matthew 11:10 The religious leaders also quoted this section of Malachi in an attempt to prove that Jesus was not the Messiah because Elijah had to come first. Malachi 4:5;Waiting for response for Malachi 4:5 Matthew 17:10Waiting for response for Matthew 17:10 Even when he was dying on the cross they threw this taunt at him. Matthew 27:49Waiting for response for Matthew 27:49 Jesus, however, explained to the disciples that Elijah will certainly come as a forerunner in the future, but that John filled that same role at that time. Matthew 17:11-13Waiting for response for Matthew 17:11-13

Elijah was a prophet to the ten northern tribes, and when these are regathered he will prepare them to enter the land and meet their Messiah. “But who may abide the day of his coming?” v.2Waiting for response for Malachi 3:2 because the power of God will execute judgment upon the people and refine them as gold and silver.v.3Waiting for response for Malachi 3:3 The prophet urged the people to do righteousness because of these judgments and reprimanded them for behaving like Esau whom God hated instead of like Jacob whom he loved. Malachi 1:2-3Waiting for response for Malachi 1:2-3 They had filled the land with evil and oppression v.5Waiting for response for Malachi 3:5 but if they would return to the LORD v.7Waiting for response for Malachi 3:7 and do righteousness God would “open the windows of heaven and pour out blessings upon them”.v.10Waiting for response for Malachi 3:10 The LORD will certainly do this in the future because, under the rulership of Christ, Israel will be righteous and the land will flourish: “And all nations shall call you blessed: for ye shall be a delightsome land, saith the LORD of hosts”.v.12Waiting for response for Malachi 3:12

The Jews did not understand how they were displeasing God v.14Waiting for response for Malachi 3:14 which illustrates the blindness and perversity of human nature. They said: “It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?” v.14Waiting for response for Malachi 3:14 They turned everything upside down so that the wicked prospered,v.15Waiting for response for Malachi 3:15 but there were a few faithful men and women who kept close to the word of God and we can follow their example today: “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name”.v.16Waiting for response for Malachi 3:16 The reward for such people is very great for God will make them his own precious jewels and children v.17Waiting for response for Malachi 3:17 in the day he distinguishes between the righteous and the wicked.v.18Waiting for response for Malachi 3:18