Malachi:
God’s Messenger
Introduction
We know of only one Malachi in scripture and it is
the one who is the author of the last book of the Old Testament. Malachi was
the last of the prophets and worked among God’s people between 430 & 450
BC. Joy, happiness, and enthusiasm were largely absent from the people. Even
though temple rebuilt, the glory of God never returned. Things were just
“different.” Malachi’s primary job was to correct this problem.
I. The Historical Setting
A.
Malachi & his contemporaries
were living in an uneventful waiting period.
B.
In 458 BC – Ezra was
allowed to travel to Judea from Babylon.
C.
444 BC – Nehemiah came
to Jerusalem and appointed governor of Judea. Serves for twelve years, Neh.
5:14.
1.
Neh. 6:15 – Nehemiah
& people rebuild walls of Jerusalem in 52 days.
2.
Did not happen without great
opposition.
3.
432 – Nehemiah returns
to Babylon in service to the King.
4.
Neh. 13:6 – would
return sometime later to serve as governor once more.
D.
Some believe it is during
this time (the time Nehemiah was away in Babylon) that Malachi prophesied to
the people.
II.
Ingratitude filled the hearts of the people of Judea…
A.
1:2-5 –
God says, I have loved you.
B.
The people
began to doubt that love...indicated by the objection in middle of 1:2.
C.
1:2c-5
– God favored them over Edom.
D.
1:6-9
– the sins of the priests - God deserved their honor, but was not
receiving it.
E.
Entire
process was defiled/contemptible.
1.
1:12a
– no respect for God or reverence for Him as they worshipped.
2.
1:12b
– scoff at the food of their labors.
F.
What about
us & our worship today?
1.
Going
through the motions; Haphazardly performing duties of worship
2.
No
reverence/honor to God; Half hearted or no praise to God in singing.
III. A Group of Covenant Breakers
A.
Malachi 2
– three types of covenant breakers
1.
2:4 –
God made a covenant with house of Levi
2.
2:5-7
– the goals of that covenant are explained.
3.
2:8 –
what was going on during days of Malachi?
B.
2:10-12
– problem of intermarriage with neighboring nations.
C.
2:13-16
– covenant of marriage was treated with disdain.
IV.
A Time When Cynicism Reigned.
A.
Chapter
3 – God refutes the cynicism of the people.
1.
Messenger refers to John the Baptist. The Lord is Jesus.
2.
1
Peter 2:9 – through Jesus – we have become a royal priesthood. Our
offerings are pleasing to Him – 3:4-5; Philippians 4:18.
B.
3:7
– disobedience was nothing new for the Israelites.
C.
3:10-12
– Malachi urges the people to open their hearts & give to God. If
they did so, they would be amazed at the results.
Conclusion:
A.
Chapter
4 – final words of OT. People needed to remember words of Moses &
Law. Next messenger: John the Baptist.
B.
Serve
God with all your heart. Honor the covenants you make. Trust in God.