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The Book of Malachi
Introduction to the Book of Malachi
Explore
Malachi's eerie warnings and spot-on predictions
by Jack Zavada
As the last book of
the Old Testament,
the book of Malachi continues the warnings of the earlier prophets,
but it also sets the stage for the New Testament,
when the Messiah will appear to save God's
people.
Question
for Reflection
God’s love is
perfect, complete, and without limits.
He is faithful and true
to his promise. Even when we are unfaithful to him, God extends forgiveness, grace,
and restoration to us.
This is the overriding
message in the book of Malachi.
Is your relationship with
God broken in some way?
As you study Malachi, let
God restore your fellowship with him as you consider his faithful love and
forgiveness.
In
Malachi, God says, "I the LORD do not change." (Malachi 3:6)
Comparing the people in
this ancient book to today's society, it seems human nature doesn't change
either.
The problems with
divorce, corrupt
religious leaders, and spiritual apathy still exist. That's what
makes the book of Malachi sharply relevant today.
The people of Jerusalem
had rebuilt the temple as the prophets ordered
them, but the promised restoration of the land did not come as quickly as they
wanted.
They began to doubt God's love.
In their worship, they
just went through the motions, offering blemished animals for sacrifice.
God scolded the priests
for improper teaching and rebuked the men for divorcing their wives so they
could marry pagan women.
Besides withholding
their tithes,
the people spoke arrogantly against the LORD, complaining of how the wicked
prospered.
Throughout Malachi, God
leveled withering accusations against the Jews then bitterly answered his own
questions.
Finally, at the end of
chapter three, a faithful remnant met, writing a scroll of remembrance to honor
the Almighty.
The book of Malachi
closes with God's promise to send Elijah,
the Old Testament's mightiest prophet.
Indeed, 400 years later
at the beginning of the New Testament, John the Baptist arrived
near Jerusalem, dressed like Elijah and preaching the same message of repentance.
Later in the Gospels,
Elijah himself appeared with Moses to
give his approval at the Transfiguration
of Jesus Christ.
Jesus told his
disciples John the Baptist fulfilled Malachi's prophecy about Elijah.
Malachi serves as a sort
of foreshadowing of the prophecies of Christ's second
coming, detailed in the book of
Revelation.
At that time all wrongs
will be righted while Satan and
the wicked will be destroyed. Jesus will reign forever over the fulfilled kingdom of God.
Author
of the Book of Malachi
Malachi, one of the minor
prophets is the author of the book. His name means "my messenger."
Date
Written
The book of Malachi was
written about B.C. 430.
Written
To
The Jews in Jerusalem and
all later Bible readers.
Landscape
in the Book of Malachi
Judah, Jerusalem, the
temple.
Themes
in Malachi
God remains faithful even
when his people do not.
God keeps his promises
but expects obedience from
his followers in return. God upbraided the Jews for questioning his timing.
They clearly fell away yet still expected blessings.
God values justice. He
will punish disobedience and destroy the wicked.
In Malachi, God warns
that "the day of the
Lord" is coming when a great reckoning will occur.
Repentance and
reformation bring restoration. God is always ready to welcome his people back.
His greatest desire is to bless those who return to his way.
Key
Characters
Malachi, the priests,
disobedient husbands.
Key
Verses
Malachi
3:1
"I
will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me." (NIV)
Malachi
3:17-18
"They
will be mine," says
the LORD Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession.
I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him.
And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between
those who serve God and those who do not." (NIV)
Malachi 4:2-3
"But
for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in
its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of
your feet on the day when I do these things," says the LORD Almighty. (NIV)
Outline
of the Book of Malachi
· God
affirms his faithful love for Israel (Malachi 1:1 - 5).
· God
rebukes Israel for its faithlessness toward him (Malachi 1:6 - 2:16).
· The
LORD announces his coming to judge and reward (Malachi 2:17 - 4:6).
Jack Zavada
Introduction
Former newspaper reporter,
technical editor for the U.S. Department of Defense, and public relations
director.
Author of Hope for
Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming Life's Challenges.
Owner of Christian
website inspiration-for-singles.com.
Experience
Jack is a freelance writer who
concentrates on Christian topics. During his 45 year career, he has written
thousands of newspaper and magazine articles covering areas from sports and
business to the Bible and theology. His Christian website for singles, founded
in 2005, receives thousands of visitors every month from over 150 countries.
Jack worked as a newspaper
reporter and Associated Press wire editor, then served as a technical editor at
the United States Construction Engineering Research Laboratory (USA-CERL),
operated by the Army Corps of Engineers. He also worked as publications editor
for an Illinois utility company and as communications director for a national
nonprofit organization. He has written about Christianity for the
Dotdash/About.com network since 2008.
Education
Jack earned his master's
degree in English Composition at Illinois State University in 1982. He
concentrated on teaching writing in the community college and served an
internship teaching technical writing. He also received a B.Sc. in English
Literature from ISU in 1973.
Publications
Hope for Hurting Singles: A Christian Guide to Overcoming
Life's Challenges, (2017, Pine Cone Press).
Single and Sure, (2008, ebook).
How to Master Your Money, (2009, ebook).
Outsmarting Loneliness, (2010, ebook).
Mr. Lincoln for the Defense,
(2011, ebook).
Killers on my Trail, (2012,
ebook).
The Jesus Comic Book, writer and illustrator,
(2016, ebook).
Rebel Town, (1976, Ace Books).
The Wolfer, (1978, Ace Books).
Penwhistle's Prize,
(1980, Ace Books)
West of the Pecos, pen name
James Calder Boone, (1988, Ballantine Books).
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