August 24, 2023 - Malachi 1-4

“’I have loved you,’ says the Lord. But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’” (1:2) Amazing that we should ever have to ask this question! All it takes is a moment or two of reflection on God's goodness and faithfulness to us. Oh my, how he has loved us!

Furthermore, it’s not that God has failed to love his people. They have failed to love him! The evidence is seen in their lack of fear and devotion. They bring defective gifts to him. They withhold the tithe from him. They consider it a nuisance to serve the Lord.

Yet, the Lord will send his messenger, and he will send Elijah. And on the great Day of the Lord, “He will be like a refiner and purifier of silver; He will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver. Then they will present offerings to the Lord in righteousness” (3:2,3). He will send “Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome Day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hears of children to their fathers” (4:5,6).

Our God's mercy just never lets up, does it?

Precious tidings we hear,

Both from far and near,

And our hearts are glad today;

For in God is our trust,

And succeed we must;

None His mighty arm can stay.

Speed the day, happy day,

When the wrong shall fail, and the right prevail;

Speed the day, happy day,

Speed the happy, happy, happy day. --William Stevenson (19th century)