Malachi: The Last Prophet

Sunday, March 2^nd 2025

 Malachi 1:1-5

 Introduction

 God’s Covenant Love is Enduring Even in Our Sin

 The Burden of the Lord

“The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi…”

 “Oracle” – ‘massa' means burden or weighty word, full of meaning; it’s a heavy load

 “the word of the LORD” - This phrase speaks of Malachi’s divine revelation and divine authority behind the Word spoken by God's prophet or "mouthpiece."

 “to Israel” - but in view of the fact that it is "to Israel" and not "against Israel," while it is a rebuke; it’s also a word of comfort 

 “by Malachi” - reads "by the hand of Malachi." Malachi’s name means ‘my messenger.’

 God’s Declaration – “I have loved you”

“I have loved you,” says the Lord. But you say, ‘How have you loved us?’

 GOD'S COMPASSION DECLARED: "I HAVE LOVED YOU"

 Love - 'ahab describes an affection based on a close relationship, a strong emotional attachment and desire to be in the presence of the object of one's love. The Bible uses 'ahab to refer to love of a man for a woman, love between a parent and a child, of family love, and God's love for Israel as in our present usage.

 Israel’s Response - “But you say, ‘How have you loved us?”

It has been observed that the opposite of love is often not hatred; it is apathy. I hope that no one here hates God, but some of you may have grown indifferent towards God. You may be going through all the motions of being "a good Christian." You go to church, you're outwardly moral, maybe you even tithe.

 "It is a dangerous thing when people argue with God and try to defend their sinful ways." W. Wiersbe

  God’s Response – “I have Loved Jacob”

“Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?’ declares the Lord. Yet, I have loved Jacob, but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage t jackals of the desert,”

 The book of Malachi begins with this wholehearted word from the Lord to His halfhearted worshipers: "I have loved you.”

 v.5 – “Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, Great is the Lord beyond the border of Israel.”

 “Bless the LORD, O my soul! O LORD my God, You are very great; You are clothed with splendor and majesty…” Psalm 104:1

1. Conclusion