June 28 - Malachi 3

June 28 - Malachi 2:17-3:18

How weary we get of seeing the wicked prosper in this life! The Israelites were tired of seeing this happen around them, so they began speaking against the Lord declaring that He must approve of the wicked. The weariness we feel, though is nothing like what the Lord feels when He hears His people speak words against Him.

John the Baptist fulfilled the prophecy of Malachi 3:1, but this is more than just the prophecy of the coming of tohe Messiah, this prophecy regards the coming of the one who will unleash the purifying fire of the Lord God Almighty!

We can not endure that day when it comes. The priests of the Levite tribe who have so distressed Him in the previous verses of this prophecy will be made pure as they are sent through fire. The launderer's soap would be like lye, stripping off layers of of filth as the alkaline base acts against the soul.

He declares in Malachi 3:4, that He WILL have men bringing righteous offerings and He WILL have acceptable offerings brought to the temple of the Lord. He goes on to say that He will come for judgment, but finishes that declaration with the words 'Do not fear me.' (Malachi 3:5)

In Malachi 3:6, we see the promise of the Covenant continue. Judah will be purified, but will not be destroyed by the refiner's fire. God continues to plead with them for their return. He tells Israel that they have robbed him. When they ask how, He tells them in one of the most beautiful passages, that if they were to offer the tithe to Him, He would unleash blessings on them that would be unimaginable. He doesn't ask them to bring everything, simply the tithe - the firstfruits from their lives. His blessings would be poured out on them and He would care for all of their needs. (Malachi 3:10-12)

In Malachi 3:13, He reiterates the information from the last verses of chapter 2 (Malachi 2:17). He is frustrated that they believe the evildoers prosper and that God has allowed arrogance, evil and challengers to go unpunished.

The remnant remains. There were those who began to talk together about serving the Lord alone. In Malachi 3:16, a scroll of remembrance was written in the presence of the Lord. He promised that they would be His. He would distinguish between the righteous and the wicked on the Day of the Lord.