This post is Day 16 in a series of studies about “Angels”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

Feel free to comment below with your own thoughts about each verse and how you will be acting on each thought. Also, if you haven’t yet signed up to receive the notifications of new studies, you can do that today (the form is at the bottom of the page).

Angels – Day 16

At first reading, this verse could be referring to John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus to come. If we read on, we can also translate messenger here as Holy Spirit preparing the way for the return of Jesus. Maybe it is both. The word in Hebrew is Malak.

Malachi 3:1

“I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly The Lord you are seeking will come to His temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire will come” says the Lord Almighty.

The Thought

At first reading this verse could be referring to John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus to come, who is obviously “the Lord you are seeking”. In which case it is definitely a word for the Jewish nation.

But if we read on in the chapter, we can also translate God’s “messenger” here as Holy Spirit preparing the way for Jesus’ return. Maybe it is both, but the word in Hebrew is “Malak” which is mostly translated as “angel” or “angel of the Lord”.

The prophecy of Malachi criticises people who profess to be believers but don’t live a life of faith and truth. Sadly many people who say they are Christians today will find themselves guilty of the sins mentioned in this chapter. We have lost our “fear of the Lord” mentioned at the end of verse 5.

It was only God’s mercy that stopped Him from destroying the Jewish nation, and it is still His mercy that prevents us from being destroyed today.

It is interesting to note that successful farming is related to our giving to God (Malachi 3:8-11).

Action

Reflect today on how much time, energy and finance you give to God or His church, the welfare of your country could depend on it (Malachi 3:12)!

Praise God for His mercy, that no matter how far we stray from Him He is patient and loving, and provides the way back.

Read the whole chapter and ask yourself if you have become too familiar with God.

Rejoice in His forgiveness and saving grace.