“The burden of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.” (v.1)
One Hundred years after Zechariah and Haggai had encouraged the people of Israel to rebuild their walls and their temple, the Lord sends His messenger Malachi to wake up the people once more, who had become complacent and lukewarm in their hearts, which signified the loss of compassion and fire. This can happen on the heels of success when one backs off or feels content – just as it did with the people Israel, after completing the rebuilding of their walls and their temple.
Malachi would bring a lot of specific correction for Israel, but before God corrected them, He assured them of His love by saying, “I have loved you,” says the LORD (v.1). Yet even though this statement was met with question by the people, “Yet you say, ‘In what way have You loved us?’ Was not Esau Jacob’s brother?" (v.2), it set a foundation for their later obedience. God wanted Israel to find assurance in His election, His choice of them. He wanted them to understand that they were chosen and remained His chosen and favored people despite their complacent hearts.
The same holds true for us. God loves us and never stops pursuing us, even in our times of rebellion. Therefore, keep moving forward in your walk, keep studying God’s Word, do not become complacent toward Him. Stay hot, not lukewarm, for He never becomes lukewarm towards us.
The Truth: “But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear Him, and His righteousness unto their children's children." (Psalm 103:17)
