The Bright Side of Malachi
Malachi 3:1-4; 10-12; 16-18; 4:1-6; I Corinthians 15:51-52
There is a dawning of light in the darkness of the oracle. Light of a coming messenger, light of blessing our trust, light of being God’s treasure and light of righteous victory.
Light of a coming messenger Malachi 3:1-4
Sent messenger with a purpose to prepare the hearts of people from God’s intervention. Suddenness of the Lord’s appearance. It’s a moment in time. Paul instructed in believers in I Corinthians 15:51-52. Severe time of cleansing will come for God’s people. Malachi is not attempting to put fear in the hearts of sinners, but remind the faithful there will be a time of cleansing and purification. A refining of the gold we are removing all that is not gold. Cleaning up even the religious to be their best. Sublime truth 4:5-6 God is always seeking to people and bring them to repentance. God calls us to remember God’s consistent laws. God resources us with all we need.
Light of becoming the treasure of God. Malachi 3:16-18
Faithful follower come together and share their trust in God. Faithful Lord listens to the expression of faith and responds. Faithful blessed becoming a special possession of God. Faithful will serve God.
Light of the righteous victory Malachi 4:1-3
Day a point in time will come as sure as we are reading this. Distinction between the righteous and the wicked will be clear. The Holiness of God will consume the evil. Descriptive picture: Ungodly, are arrogant and live in a self -centered way leaves God out. Destruction even the root and branch of evil actions are destroyed. Development of comfort to the righteous who may be tempted to doubt the value of their faithfulness.
Malachi has a dark side and a bright side as the Old Testament closes. The dark sets forth the challenges and failures of the people looking for and awaiting the Messiah. Corrective action is necessary. The bright side provides an opportunity for those who are in darkness to find in Jesus a relationship with God. God’s messenger John, came preparing the “way of the Lord” Jesus showed up and introduced as the lamb who would take away sin. Jesus paid the penalty for all sin as He died on the cross. Father God validated his payment when Jesus was raised. If you have accepted Jesus as Savior and Lord of your life. You can trust God with every aspect of your life including your resources. You are a treasure a private possession of God. You will be victorious when you enter heaven. Not because of what you have done, but because of what Jesus did for you!