August 23, 2024 - Malachi 1-4

Malachi was probably a contemporary of Ezra and Nehemiah.  Certainly, he lived during the 5th century B.C.  The people, having graciously been returned to their land by the Lord, despised God’s name.  With mocking incredulity, they cried:  “How have we despised your name?” (1:6)  The Lord explained.  They brought unworthy offerings to his altar.  And they scornfully reply: “What a weariness this is” (1:13).  They snort at the Lord’s requirements (1:13), they "bring what has been taken by violence or is lame or sick" (1:13).  Not only do they bring that which is unworthy, but they steal their offerings from others.  They do not even bring their own stuff!

The men were faithless to their wives (ch. 2).  They rob God by withholding their tithes and contributions (3:9)

How much more stubborn and sinful and wicked can a people be?  And it would be one thing if this was the first time Israel had acted thusly.  But time and time again, even with God’s love and mercy poured out on them, they still act in these ways.  Has there ever been a people more stubborn and hopeless?  And yet, God calls out to them.  The only reason they have not been utterly destroyed is that God loves them and is patient with them:  “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed” (3:6).  If only they will turn to God, he will turn to them (3:7).  If these people can be redeemed, anyone can be saved!

How good is the God we adore,

our faithful, unchangeable friend;

whose love is as great as his power,

and neither knows measure nor end.

‘Tis Jesus, the first and the last,

whose Spirit shall guide us safe home;

we’ll praise Him for all that is past,

and trust him for all that’s to come.   –Joseph Hart (1782)