Malachi 2:17—3:18: Me, God's Treasure?
"WHERE IS THE God of justice?" the people of Judah asked. Maybe God thinks that all the evil in our nation is fine with him, they thought. Surely if God cared he would pay them a visit. Maybe he would just shake hands and say everything was fine. Or maybe not. Malachi promised that longed-for visit from God, a "messenger," he said. But this messenger would not bring the warm, accepting comfort that they had hoped—except to some.
Warming Up to God
If Christ were to visit you today, what would you expect him to say in your home? to your church? to your nation?
Read Malachi 2:17—3:18. »
Discovering the Word
- Find all the questions in this passage. Give answers to each question based on information in the text.
- In what ways will God's "messenger" be like soap or like fire (3:1-4)?
- According to Malachi 3:5, how does God want his people to express their faith in their relationships with other people?
- What reassurances do you find in Malachi 3:16-18?
- Of what value might a scroll of remembrance be?
Applying the Word
- In Malachi 3:17 God speaks of his people as his "treasured possession." Take a look at the day ahead of you: your list of tasks, the potential joys and disappointments. How does knowing that God sees you as his treasured possession influence how you will walk through your day?
- According to Malachi 3:16, people who feared God got together, talked with each other, and then wrote a scroll. Prepare a "scroll of remembrance" of your own. Record the names of people who have supported your faith. Add a simple statement of your faith and sign your name.
Responding in Prayer
In Malachi 3:7 God says, "Return to me, and I will return to you." If it is appropriate, pray a prayer of return to God. If this is not one of your own needs, pray for a friend or family member who you hope will return to God. Ask for his mercy. Picture this person as one of God's treasured possessions and ask that God will bring it about.
For Further Study
The Twelve Prophets by Alberto Ferreiro.