The Messenger

Bible Reading: Malachi 4:1-6

 

Malachi means ‘My Messenger’.  He was the last Messenger in the Old Testament, calling the people back to covenant faithfulness.  Malachi’s time reminds us of our own times! 

 

Malachi pointed out how the people dishonoured God by not giving tithes and by bringing flawed animals for sacrifice.  The people constantly complained against God and accused God of being unfair.  The people said serving God was useless because the wicked were prospering. The priests also failed to teach God's law faithfully, causing many to stumble.  The priests accepted bribes and offered blind, lame, and sick animals instead of their best sacrifices.  People violated their marriage covenant.  

 

Does this not remind us of our world today?  God is calling each one of us to look within our hearts today.

 

How is our worship today? Has it become routine rather than heartfelt?  God deserves our best in worship, service, and devotion.  Are we giving God our best or merely our leftovers?  Are we constantly complaining that we deserve better gifts and positions than what God has already given us?  Are we honest in honouring God with our tithes and offerings?  Are we faithful to our marriage covenant?

 

These are some questions we have to answer today.

 

The book of Malachi does not end with a warning alone. 

 

God lovingly calls His people to repentance.  Malachi 3:6–7 says, "Return to Me, and I will return to you."  God warns of a coming day of judgment for the proud and wicked but promises healing and joy for those who fear His name. God warned that careless, half-hearted worship dishonours His name.  God warned that His coming judgment would reveal His perfect justice.  But when we repent and return to the Lord, there is hope.

 

God has placed you and me as messengers to the people around us, to prepare them for the coming Day of the Lord.  

 

My friend, while Malachi looked forward to the first coming of the Lord, we are now awaiting the Lord’s second coming.  Let us not live life carelessly.  God always welcomes genuine repentance.  God's love is unchanging.  God has promised that the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings  for those who fear the Lord. (Malachi 4:2).  God is looking for wholehearted followers. Let every area of your life reflect your love for Him.

 

Prayer: Lord Jesus, forgive me for the times I have offered You less than my best, and draw me back to Yourself with wholehearted love and obedience so that I can be a Messenger of Your love to the people around me. Amen. 

 

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