Wednesday 23 December 2009

Background

The book of Malachi is one of the 12 books of 'minor prophets'in the Old Testment. The name Malachi is thought to mean 'mymessenger' or 'my angel' and the book is thought most likely todate to about 500 years before Christ. It focuses on the specialcovenant relationship between Israel and Yahweh (God) and theresponsibilities such a relationship brings.

Briefly, the message is that God loves Jacob (the father of Israel)and desires honest worship, not just in words but actions. God isjust and faithful to God's word. The religious leaders and thepeople have not lived up to their side of the covenant and they arecompared with a faithless marriage partner. The writer of Malachihas a romantic view of marriage and declares that God 'hatesdivorce'. The main theme of the book is that of the desire of Godfor loving, faithful relationships - between people, withinfamilies and between God and human beings.

The people are promised a messenger to "prepare the way" and the"Lord ... will suddenly come to his Temple". This Lord will cleansethe people of unrighteousness - like a refining fire purifiessilver and gold, then they will offer true worship to God.

The book offers reflections on relationships - human and divine -and contrasts wickedness with righteousness. It looks forward to atime when God's judgement will fall against "all the arrogant andall evildoers" (Malachi 4:1), whilst God's mercy will rest uponthose who revere God. Proper relationships of mutual love will berestored.

Christians have looked at Malachi as a prophecy that points to bothJohn the Baptist - the one who 'prepares the way for the Lord' -and to Jesus himself who is sent to restore the relationshipbetween God and human beings in a new covenant that lastsforever.

To Ponder

What would it mean to put your words of faithinto action?

There seems to be a generation gap in Malachi'scommunity. How might good relationships be encouraged betweengenerations today?

How is God 'refining' you in your faith andlife?