“I am about to send my messenger, who will clear the way before me. Indeed, the Lord you are seeking will suddenly come to his temple, and the messenger of the covenant, whom you long for, is certainly coming,” says the Lord of Heaven’s Armies.
Into the Text
The closing words of the Old Testament are ones of anticipation and hope. From the very beginning, God had lovingly promised to send a rescuer who would redeem people from their sin. He chose a nation, the Israelites, to be His chosen people in order show the rest of the world what a relationship with God looks like. Over and over again, God miraculously provided for Israel, demonstrating His love, grace, mercy, and faithfulness. Yet Israel continually turned away from God.
But God, in His kindness, continued to forgive and continued to prepare the way for His coming rescuer. This is especially highlighted at the end of Malachi. God promised to send one who would preach repentance and prepare the people’s hearts. This man would make way for the coming rescuer.
As we turn the page from Malachi to Matthew, we’re left wondering. Who will this man be? Will God rescue the Israelites, us, and the world from sin and judgment? Is there hope? We see the resounding message in the Old Testament that hope is coming. The New Testament then proclaims that hope is here.
Matthew writes that this prophet did come (Matthew 3). He came and faithfully proclaimed “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near” (Matthew 3:2). John the Baptist fulfilled what Malachi had prophesied. He made the way for the people to be ready for the Messiah, Jesus Christ, to come.
As we wrap up the books of the minor prophets, we are left with challenges, encouragement, and hope. We are challenged to continually examine our hearts and flee from the temptation of sin. We are encouraged that God is faithful, just, gracious, merciful, trustworthy, and true. Finally, we are hopeful that all God’s promises are sure. He came through for the people of Israel to redeem that which was broken through their sin and through His judgments. He kept His word to bring the coming Rescuer. And He will fulfill His promise to send Jesus back to redeem His people.
May we stand in awe of our heavenly Father and respond in the only way we can, in worship and praise.
Prayer
God, you are faithful and just beyond compare. Thank you that all of your promises are sure. May my life be full of praise, worship, and hope in your steadfast character. Amen.