The Day of Judgment

Scripture:

Malachi 1 to 4


Observation:

Malachi was a contemporary of Nehemiah. There is some belief that Malachi may have written this message to Israel between Nehemiah’s two terms as governor. Malachi is addressing Israel’s loss of hope (doubting God’s love and no longer trusting His justice) and their subsequent insincere worship. Malachi warns them that God is coming as a judge, and He will judge His people first. Malachi also reminds them that God does not change, and He still offers Israel the opportunity to repent and be reformed in order to once again experience God’s blessings. Malachi urges Israel to return to God.


Application:

God knows my heart. He knows when I doubt Him and whether or not my worship is sincere. God also, in His lovingkindness, offers me the opportunity to repent and be restored in fellowship with Him after I have strayed.

One outline of Malachi might read like this:

1. You can’t fool God (with insincere worship - just “going through the motions)
2. You can’t defy God (with unfaithfulness - so guard against impurity)
3. You can’t rob God (everything is His so don’t neglect tithing)
4. You can’t escape God (judgment of sin is coming, but so is the good news!)

Prayer:

Father, thank You that You offer mercy and restored relationship to Your children who have strayed! Thank You for being faithful even when we are faithless! (II Timothy 2:13) Draw those who are not walking with You back to Yourself, I pray. In Jesus’ Name, amen.