Malachi: The Last Prophet

Sunday, April 12^th 2025

 The Final Word: Faithfulness in the Face of DoubtMalachi 3:13 – 4:5

 Remember God’s Faithfulness and Prepare for His Coming

 The Complaint of the Faithless (Malachi 3:13-15)

"It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of keeping His charge or of waking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts?"

 Can you hear the bitterness? The people were tired. They looked around and saw that the wicked were prospering while they, the faithful, were suffering. They questioned, "Where is the justice of God?"

But God hears these words. He doesn’t ignore our doubts. He meets us in them.

 The Record of the Faithful (Malachi 3:16-18)

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name."

 What a beautiful image! While some were speaking harshly, others gathered and encouraged one another in the fear of the Lord. And God took note. It says a "book of remembrance" was written before Him.

 "They shall be mine... when I make up my treasured possession." You are His treasure when you fear Him and follow Him.

 Then God promises a day when the distinction between the righteous and the wicked will be clear. That day is coming.

 III. The Coming Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1-3)

Chapter 4 begins with a warning: a day is coming, burning like an oven. For the arrogant and evildoers, it will be a day of judgment.

 "But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings."

What an image—the sun rising, bringing warmth, clarity, and healing. That’s what Jesus does for us. He is the Sun of Righteousness. His first coming brought spiritual healing; His second coming will bring justice and restoration.

 V3 tells us the righteous will triumph. Evil will not have the final word. God will.

This gives us hope. No matter how dark the night, the dawn is coming.

 The Final Call to Remember and Prepare (Malachi 4:4-5)

As the Old Testament closes, God calls His people to remember the law of Moses.

 God’s final word is this: Remember and Prepare.

 Don’t forget My Word. Stay rooted in it. And prepare your hearts for what’s to come.

 Conclusion:

Keep going. Stay faithful. Encourage one another. The Sun of Righteousness has come, and He is coming again. And when He comes, may He find us waiting in faith, not wandering in doubt.