July 26, 2024
The Message of the Book of Malachi
The Book of Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, is a prophetic scripture that calls Israel to return to God and restore the reverence and faithfulness that their covenant with Him demands. The central message of the book can be summarized in several key themes:
1. God’s Love and Election:
Malachi begins by emphasizing God’s enduring love for Israel (Malachi 1:2-5). Despite the people’s doubts and questions, God reminds them that He has chosen and blessed them, in contrast to Esau and his descendants. This underscores that God’s love and faithfulness to Israel remain unchanged, even when the people have fallen into sin and unfaithfulness.
2. Criticism of the Priests and the People:
The book sharply criticizes the priests and the people for their disrespect and failure to keep God’s commandments (Malachi 1:6-2:9). The priests are criticized for offering inferior sacrifices and despising the altar. This lack of reverence and discipline reflects a deep spiritual crisis and alienation from God.
3. Call for Faithfulness in Marriage and Family:
Malachi emphasizes the importance of marital faithfulness and the role of the family as the fundamental unit of faith (Malachi 2:10-16). God hates divorce and unfaithfulness because they break the essence of the covenant. Faithfulness in marriage is portrayed as a reflection of faithfulness to God.
4. The Coming Day of the Lord:
Another central theme is the announcement of the coming Day of the Lord, a day of judgment and purification (Malachi 3:1-5; 4:1-6). Malachi prophesies the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for the Lord. This announcement points to John the Baptist and ultimately to the coming of Jesus Christ. The Day of the Lord will be a day of refining for the righteous and a day of judgment for the wicked.
5. The Importance of Tithing:
Malachi calls the people to give God the full tithe and honor Him in this way (Malachi 3:8-12). Neglecting this duty is described as robbing God. God promises to bless those who faithfully give the tithe and to bless their nation.
6. Hope and Renewal:
The book concludes with a note of hope and renewal (Malachi 4:2-6). Those who fear and honor God are promised healing and righteousness. The return of the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful Day of the Lord is announced, pointing to future spiritual renewal and restoration.
Summary:
The message of the Book of Malachi is a call to repentance and a return to God. It emphasizes the need for reverence, faithfulness, and obedience to God and His commandments. It reminds Israel of God’s enduring love and faithfulness, calls them to take their spiritual responsibility seriously, and offers hope for redemption and renewal to those who remain faithful to God.
DAILY BIBLE READING – Malachi Chapter 1
1 The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.
2 I have loved you, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob,
3 And I hated Esau, and laid his mountains and his heritage waste for the dragons of the wilderness.
4 Whereas Edom saith, We are impoverished, but we will return and build the desolate places; thus saith the Lord of hosts, They shall build, but I will throw down; and they shall call them, The border of wickedness, and, The people against whom the Lord hath indignation for ever.
5 And your eyes shall see, and ye shall say, The Lord will be magnified from the border of Israel.
6 A son honoureth his father, and a servant his master: if then I be a father, where is mine honour? and if I be a master, where is my fear? saith the Lord of hosts unto you, O priests, that despise my name. And ye say, Wherein have we despised thy name?
7 Ye offer polluted bread upon mine altar; and ye say, Wherein have we polluted thee? In that ye say, The table of the Lord is contemptible.
8 And if ye offer the blind for sacrifice, is it not evil? and if ye offer the lame and sick, is it not evil? offer it now unto thy governor; will he be pleased with thee, or accept thy person? saith the Lord of hosts.
9 And now, I pray you, beseech God that he will be gracious unto us: this hath been by your means: will he regard your persons? saith the Lord of hosts.
10 Who is there even among you that would shut the doors for nought? neither do ye kindle fire on mine altar for nought. I have no pleasure in you, saith the Lord of hosts, neither will I accept an offering at your hand.
11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the Lord of hosts.
12 But ye have profaned it, in that ye say, The table of the Lord is polluted; and the fruit thereof, even his meat, is contemptible.
13 Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness is it! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the Lord of hosts; and ye brought that which was torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the Lord.
14 But cursed be the deceiver, which hath in his flock a male, and voweth, and sacrificeth unto the Lord a corrupt thing: for I am a great King, saith the Lord of hosts, and my name is dreadful among the heathen.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
God’s Love for Israel (Verses 1-5)
The Book of Malachi begins with a strong emphasis on God’s love for Israel. The Lord highlights His love by referring to the relationship between Jacob and Esau. God shows that He loves Jacob and hates Esau, which is evident in the destruction of Esau’s inheritance and land. This choice and distinction underscore the special grace that Israel receives. The message is clear: despite all difficulties and doubts about God’s love, Israel should recognize that God’s preference and protection surround them.
Contempt for God through Inferior Offerings (Verses 6-14)
Malachi criticizes the priests and the people of Israel for not giving God the honor He deserves. Instead of bringing pure and valuable offerings to God, they offer blind, lame, and sick animals. These inferior offerings demonstrate profound contempt and disrespect towards God. Malachi challenges them to rethink their offering practices by reminding them that they would never present such gifts to their earthly rulers.
In verse 10, God expresses His desire for the temple doors to be closed to prevent these worthless offerings. This shows how deeply God is disappointed with the quality and sincerity of the sacrifices.
God’s Name Among the Nations (Verse 11)
A remarkable aspect of this chapter is the prophecy that God’s name will be great among the nations. This points to a future time when people from all nations will recognize and worship the true God. It is a call to Israel to be aware of their responsibility and to set a worthy example for other nations.
Conclusion (Verses 12-14)
The chapter ends with a stern warning to those who bring deceitful and inferior offerings. God curses those who vow to offer something valuable but ultimately present an inferior sacrifice. These actions show not only disrespect but also deceit and fraud.
Malachi Chapter 1 calls Israel to self-reflection and reminds them that God is a great king who deserves respect and honor. By offering pure and sincere sacrifices, they should recognize and reflect God’s holiness and glory.
This message remains relevant today: it reminds us that our devotion to God should be sincere and honorable and that God deserves the honor due to Him through our lives and actions.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 45: The Foreshadowing of the Cross
This chapter is based on Matthew 16:13-28; Mark 8:27-38; Luke 9:18-27.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
This chapter deals with the profound preparation and awareness of Jesus regarding his impending suffering and death. Based on the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke, it highlights Jesus’ foreknowledge of his path to the cross and his dedication to fulfilling God’s will.
Jesus’ Awareness of His Suffering:
Jesus was fully aware of the pain and agony that awaited him. Even before his incarnation, he had foreseen the entire path of suffering. Despite knowing the impending torments, insults, and deprivations, he chose to walk this path out of love for humanity. His willingness to fulfill God’s will demonstrates his deep dedication and obedience to the Father.
The Significance of the Cross:
The cross is a central symbol in this chapter. Jesus saw it not only as an instrument of his suffering but also as a means of redeeming humanity. Despite the impending pain, he was encouraged by the prospect of human salvation. His suffering and death were meant to bring people back to faithfulness to God.
Preparation of the Disciples:
Jesus prepared his disciples for the upcoming events. He knew they would witness his crucifixion and death and wanted to strengthen them. In a city near Caesarea Philippi, far from the influence of the Jews, he spoke with them about their faith and reaffirmed their conviction that he was the Messiah.
Peter’s Confession:
Peter confessed that Jesus was the Christ, the Son of the living God. Jesus praised him for this and explained that this revelation did not come from human wisdom but through divine inspiration. This recognition formed the foundation of the disciples’ faith and the future Church.
The Announcement of Jesus’ Suffering:
For the first time, Jesus spoke openly about his impending suffering and death. This announcement deeply shocked the disciples, as they were still hoping for an earthly kingdom. Peter’s attempt to dissuade Jesus was sharply rebuked by Jesus, as he misunderstood the divine mission.
The Concept of Self-Denial:
Jesus explained to his disciples the necessity of self-denial and taking up the cross. This meant denying one’s own self and being willing to endure suffering for the sake of Christ. This message was and still is a central teaching of the Christian faith.
Encouragement through the Promise:
Jesus encouraged his disciples with the promise of his coming kingdom in glory. Although they did not fully grasp the depth of his words, he gave them hope that they would ultimately see his glory.
Conclusion:
Chapter 45 shows the profound preparation and awareness of Jesus regarding his suffering and his dedication to fulfilling God’s will. It emphasizes the necessity of self-denial and taking up the cross for every follower of Christ. The disciples were prepared for the coming trials while Jesus simultaneously encouraged them with the hope of his ultimate glory. These teachings remain relevant today and inspire believers to remain steadfast in their faith and follow Jesus.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 46: He Was Transfigured
This chapter is based on Matthew 17:1-8; Mark 9:2-8; Luke 9:28-36.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction:
Chapter 46 describes the Transfiguration of Jesus, based on accounts from the Gospels of Matthew, Mark, and Luke. This episode reveals a significant disclosure of Jesus’ divine nature and provides the disciples with a brief glimpse of heavenly glory.
The Ascent on the Mountain:
Jesus takes Peter, James, and John with him to a secluded mountain. Although they are exhausted, the disciples follow their Master into the evening hours. The darkness enveloping the mountain symbolizes the sorrow and trials that Jesus and his disciples will soon face.
Jesus’ Prayer:
Jesus moves a short distance from the disciples to bring his concerns and needs before the heavenly Father in prayer. He asks for strength to endure the forthcoming suffering and for a revelation of his glory to strengthen the disciples’ faith. Despite their efforts to stay awake, the disciples are overcome with fatigue and fall asleep.
The Transfiguration:
While Jesus prays, the heavens open, and a holy radiance envelops him. The divine within him shines through his human form, and his appearance becomes as bright as the sun. Moses and Elijah appear and converse with Jesus about his impending death in Jerusalem.
Significance of Moses and Elijah:
Moses represents those who will be resurrected at Christ’s return, while Elijah represents those who will be transformed without experiencing death at Christ’s return. Their presence confirms Jesus’ divinity and the fulfillment of Old Testament prophecies.
The Disciples’ Reaction:
The disciples awaken and are overwhelmed by the heavenly glory. In his enthusiasm, Peter suggests building three shelters to preserve this moment. However, the significance of the Transfiguration lies not in earthly reign but in the confirmation of Jesus’ divine mission, which must pass through the cross.
God’s Voice:
A bright cloud overshadows them, and God’s voice declares, “This is my beloved Son, with whom I am well pleased; listen to him.” The disciples fall to the ground in fear until Jesus calms them and helps them up. This experience strengthens their faith and gives them a deeper understanding of Jesus’ identity and mission.
Conclusion:
The Transfiguration is a significant revelation of Jesus’ divine nature and serves to strengthen the disciples’ faith and prepare them for the upcoming sufferings. It shows that Jesus is indeed the Messiah foretold by the prophets and that his suffering and death are part of the divine plan of redemption. The Transfiguration gives the disciples a foretaste of future glory and confirms that Jesus is the Son of God, whom they are to follow.
Source: https://fulfilleddesire.net/27-07-2024-malachi-chapter-1-believe-his-prophets/
