Reflections on Malachi 4

Malachi 04 (Contemporary English Version)


1. The day of judgment is certain to come. And it will be like a red-hot furnace with flames that burn up proud and sinful people, as though they were straw. Not a branch or a root will be left. I, the LORD All-Powerful, have spoken!
   
2. But for you that honor my name, victory will shine like the sun with healing in its rays, and you will jump around like calves at play.
   
3. When I come to bring justice, you will trample those who are evil, as though they were ashes under your feet. I, the LORD All-Powerful, have spoken!
   
4. Don't ever forget the laws and teachings I gave my servant Moses on Mount Sinai.
   
5. I, the LORD, promise to send the prophet Elijah before that great and terrible day comes.
   
6. He will lead children and parents to love each other more, so that when I come, I won't bring doom to the land.
   

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Malachi concludes with a foretelling of the "great and awesome Day of the LORD." This day is at the time of Christ's Second Advent, and is a time when the wicked will be destroyed. But for those who look to Christ, there will be joy. The wicked will no longer be a threat to the Christ followers but will instead be ashes under their feet. At the conclusion of chapter 3 the Israelites were charged with saying harsh things against the Lord, claiming there was nothing gained by keeping His requirements. The wicked were actually better off, they said, since they prospered in their wickedness and escaped His judgment. Then 3:18 says, "So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him." On the Day of the Lord that difference between the righteous and wicked will be apparent.

Why would one choose to follow God and serve Him? Why should we desire to be obedient to His commands and follow His leading in our lives? Many answer that question, in their actions at least, by saying, "it is that I might prosper." Their attitude is, "If I am not prosperous and life is not without its problems there is no reason to even think about God or to serve Him." But such an approach to life is like a blind person walking around without guidance at risk of falling into a hole or bumping into something. Only God sees the future from the present and knows what lies ahead. Only God really knows what will make our lives worthwhile. Why should we not seek His guidance for life? Besides, God made us and provides everything we have. Why would we not want to serve Him out of gratitude if for no other reason?

Malachi's closing comments are an exhortation to "Remember the instruction of Moses My servant, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel." In preparation for the Day of the Lord God will send Elijah the prophet to bring reform among the people that they might again adhere to the Law of Moses. But if reform does not result, the Lord "will come and strike the land with a curse."