Malachi 3:13-4:6
Not really a surprise, God holds true to character as described and displayed since the beginning – beautiful blending of justice and mercy. Even though time after time mankind individually and collectively deserved destruction because of sin, God held back. Preserved those who were his (a remnant), gave all opportunity to repent and turn back to him. Kept reminding people he would not do that forever – is day coming when he will carry out final justice on all.
Is not a “wait until your father gets home” kind of threat – Bible assures us God knows exact timing of day when he will carry out his purpose… he just hasn’t told anyone yet. Meanwhile, God still going the extra mile (and a million) to woo people away from their sin and back to him. God invites, God pleads, God reasons, God threatens, all the while demonstrating gracious and loving faithfulness.
In bringing OT revelation to a close, once again identifies problems with Jewish attitudes toward God, implying a challenge: “if what you have said is true, if what you have done is justified, then explain why I am going to do this.” Many / most of Jewish people had made up for themselves a representation of YHWH that wasn’t even close to the real deal. Had convinced themselves of all sorts of wrong things about God that would make impossible for him to keep his promises. Yet, we know is exactly what he did… and will do. And God was still gracious and merciful to them… and us.
A. a problem attitude v.3:13-16a
the many
discourteous – God charges them with bringing strong and and heavy accusations against him… speaking way out of turn
not said frivolously, they really meant it, accusing God of doing things contrary to his nature and character… then responding basically with “yeah, so what?”
defeatist – thought because of who they were that God would bless them tangibly… in the present… in ways they could measure
couldn’t see the payback, figured all was God’s fault, must not be worth their effort – more a business transaction than loving relationship marked by obedience
distorted – either standard changed or God doesn’t care, is the unrighteous who prosper, who test him w/o consequences
the few
delighted – were some who loved and deeply respected God, well aware of his majesty and delighted in him – were only small minority, yet noticed by God
edified – spoke often to one another, encouraging to remain faithful, sharing what God was teaching them during quiet times
“…His visits to friends were times when he sought to do good to their souls; and never was he satisfied unless he could guide the conversation to bear upon the things of eternity. When he could not do so, he generally remained silent.” Bonar on McCheyne
meditated – this part of reason why God so provoked with majority… were some who had wits to meditate on his name (character), connect right dots together
these few had proper attitude toward God and their circumstances/surroundings – probably had right attitude about themselves, their responsibilities
B. a promised Book v.3:16b-18
remembrance
for those who fear God – an encouragement to persevere, stay faithful even when/if not noticed by others… God sees
reassurance
they shall be Mine… and God will do all necessary to protect/preserve them from harm when that Day finally comes
not uncommon in military conflict for things to get mixed up, casualties from “friendly fire” – will never happen by God’s doing on Judgment Day or any other
reward
I will make them My jewels, prized personal possession – brought all the way from total depravity to position of honor
those whose names are found in Book will be singled out for attention before all mankind and angels on that Day – God showing off his greatest handiwork for all to see
rescue
I will spare them – not-so-subtle reminder, is because God takes pity/shows compassion on those who fear him – no room for boasting, taking credit from God for what he has done
how will that be possible w/o violating God’s character? God has a plan, will somehow change his people… so they get it
C. a promised Messiah v.4:1-3
purifying
this not the very next big thing, is really the very last big thing on God’s schedule for this age: “great and dreadful day of the Lord”
the stubble burned up – possible, even likely that Peter had this in mind (2 Pet. 3), purifying fire of judgment removing evildoers from earth as stage of God’s action
neither root nor branch – no reproduction – this planned judgment will be final, no hope of any future for the wicked
blessing
healing – otoh, far different future planned for those who fear God, brought about by work of Sun of Righteousness
must be the Messiah who does this, parallelism of Ps. 103:3 “Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases”
fattening – hardship, privation of this life all past – all vestiges of the curse removed… from people and planet
work of Messiah takes care of past, restoring to better than original condition, and guaranteeing future
overcoming
trampling the wicked – Messiah’s first coming succeeded, as far as was intended – second coming needed to finish work
all those who are his share in his triumph, having full and final victory over evil and evildoers… including baddest of all, Satan
helps to keep their apparent present prosperity in perspective – is of limited duration, really evidence of God’s grace
D. a promised Prophet v.4:4-6
reminder
meanwhile, the Law still the standard – those who belong to Christ no longer under its condemnation, but…still serves as rule of life for the believer
segue into announcement of Prophet – their ministry to confront people over failure to keep law, call to repentance
once more God makes clear is his intention to redeem, not destroy – many will end in ruin, yet… a remnant!
warning
the Great Day is coming – ministry of John the Baptist should have awakened to seriousness of their condition
if God promised both a Prophet and a Day, kept his promise about the Prophet, pretty sure thing about the Day too
opportunity
repent while there is time – John’s ministry was effective, many did turn back to God and eventually follow Jesus
John’s coming is past, Day is future, clock is ticking – as long as it ticks, still opportunity for sinners to repent and be saved
people need to hear both – the warning and the opportunity for rescue – don’t know how long window of opportunity will be open
May be tempted to think – huge task, no way can be done, people won’t listen, etc, etc. Much of that is true, yet… since Christ has not come back yet, must mean are still others who will come to faith. They need to hear Gospel truth, need to see it lived out day by day, leave results up to God. Our job to…Rescue the Perishing