Malachi 3:1

Teresa Dulaney Malachi 3:1

"Behold, I send my messenger, and He will prepare the way for me. And the Lord, whom you seek, will suddenly come to His temple, even the Messenger of the covenant, in whom you delight. Behold, He is coming," says the Lord of hosts.

Malachi, whose very name means 'the messenger of the Lord', is appealing to his people to look for the approaching arrival of the Lord. His people have spurned the love of Jehovah God. He tells them the Lord will suddenly come to His temple and will separate the evil from the good; that God's messenger will be a witness revealing the growing prevalence of social sin.

This herald of Christ was dealing with a people perplexed, with spirits failing, whose faith in God seemed to be in danger of collapse. If they had not already become hostile to Jehovah, they were in real danger of becoming skeptical. Malachi cried to the people to come back to God's house, come back to God's word and back to his grace! This messenger came as a reformer and longed to develop a strong repentant body of enthusiastic believers who could influence his people's future.

Malachi knew and loved his covenant God! Knowing He does not change and that He never forgets His promises of undying love and everlasting mercy.

Father, as we seek to tell others of your unfailing love may we embrace your amazing grace, that accompanies our redemption, and look with anticipation as you come again with healing on Your wings. Amen.