Malachi 3 and 4 are the final 2 chapters in the OT. Following this book, there are 400 years of silence, between Malachi’s prophetic words and the appearance of John the Baptist. During this time, the Jewish people only have the Law of Moses for reference. They are bound to this Law that they cannot measure up to. Fortunately, God has a better plan and He promises to send John the Baptist to herald the arrival of the only one who can truly fulfill the Law and offer a new covenant.
"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. (3:1)”
God warns, however, that the One He is sending will put the Levites to the test, refining and purifying them. He will change their hearts and that will be the KEY to their sacrifices being acceptable again to God.
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. (3:3-4)”
We see this play out when we read about the religious leaders of the NT, who were in dire need of a heart change. They crossed all their Ts and dotted all of their Is when it came to the outward display of their religious behavior but they didn’t love God and they didn’t even recognize Him when He was standing in their presence.
God promises that He will act in judgement of man’s choices and man’s motives, but what is beautiful is that He also knows those who want to please him and He gives then special attention. “The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. "They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. “ (3:16-17)
God put special emphasis in these chapters of distinguishing the heart of a true believer from one who “looked” religious but did not have true reverence and respect for God. God knew that His people would be challenged with the burdens of trying to live according to the Law. God promised freedom from the condemnation of the Law, freedom granted through trusting in Christ alone.
"Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the LORD of hosts. (3:1)”
God warns, however, that the One He is sending will put the Levites to the test, refining and purifying them. He will change their hearts and that will be the KEY to their sacrifices being acceptable again to God.
“He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the LORD. Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the LORD as in the days of old and as in former years. (3:3-4)”
We see this play out when we read about the religious leaders of the NT, who were in dire need of a heart change. They crossed all their Ts and dotted all of their Is when it came to the outward display of their religious behavior but they didn’t love God and they didn’t even recognize Him when He was standing in their presence.
God promises that He will act in judgement of man’s choices and man’s motives, but what is beautiful is that He also knows those who want to please him and He gives then special attention. “The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. "They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. “ (3:16-17)
God put special emphasis in these chapters of distinguishing the heart of a true believer from one who “looked” religious but did not have true reverence and respect for God. God knew that His people would be challenged with the burdens of trying to live according to the Law. God promised freedom from the condemnation of the Law, freedom granted through trusting in Christ alone.
“But, for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. (4:2)”
We are not meant to be in bondage to sin. Christ came to set us free from that bondage. Spurgeon elaborates on this picture of a young freed calf.
We are not meant to be in bondage to sin. Christ came to set us free from that bondage. Spurgeon elaborates on this picture of a young freed calf.
“Understand the figure. The calf in the stall is shut up, tied up with a halter at night, but when the sun rises the calf goes forth to the pasture; the young bullock is set free. So the child of God may be in bondage. The recollection of past sins and present unbelief may halter him up and keep him in the stall, but when the Lord reveals himself he is set free.” (Spurgeon)
Hallelujah for the promises of God fulfilled in Christ. Hallelujah that we can be set free from the bondage of the Law and our sinful, self-seeking ways. Hallelujah that we are “remembered” by God and considered His treasured possessions.
Hallelujah for the promises of God fulfilled in Christ. Hallelujah that we can be set free from the bondage of the Law and our sinful, self-seeking ways. Hallelujah that we are “remembered” by God and considered His treasured possessions.