Scripture folds time in on itself.
The creator of the universe invited prophets to witness the varied fabrics of the eternal and the temporary, and behold the threads that hold them together. In today’s passage, Malachi invites us to take in that view with him.
Let’s quickly remind ourselves where we’ve been though.
Malachi has spared no ink informing his people of their sins. This has been anything but a dictation though. Instead, Malachi served as a conduit through which Israel might dialogue with God himself.
They have asked many questions:
“How have you loved us?”
“How have we despised your name?”
“...polluted you?”
“...wearied you?”
“...robbed you?”
“...spoken against you?”We’ve looked together at some of the answers God gave in response, but for a second, let’s sit with the questions. Did we ever doubt God’s love or despise his name? Have we polluted, wearied, robbed, and spoken against the Lord of Hosts?
Perhaps after all that, we asked again with Malachi’s people, “Why does he not show us favour?” when we should have asked, “Why should he show us any favour at all?”
There is one question though, that all of us have asked. Every member of the body of Christ has asked this question, the one we touched upon last week:
“How shall we return?”
Today, we find out.
As you read, or listen to, today’s passage, do not abstract yourself out of it.
This passage is as true today as it ever was. It begins with the words, “Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another.”
Let us converse with them too. Let’s listen to our brothers and sisters who have long since left us, share with those who are among us, and those who have yet to join us in worship. As time folds in around us, let’s see how alike we all are.
Let’s see how unlike us our God is.
You’ll hear today about a book that was written before time began. About a perfect son who deserved to be spared, and about the final day on which we will be taken up as God’s treasure.
1. Reading
First, read or listen to the passage quickly. Then, slow down, allowing the words to sink in, as you read it a second time prayerfully.
“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.
They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.
Then once more you shall see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.”
Malachi 3:16–181
2. Silent Reflection
Now, the hard bit. 60 seconds to pause and reflect.
Close your eyes, sit in silence, and consider these question and statements:
- What does it mean that the Lord paid attention to his people? How wondrous is that?
- If you are in Christ, you are God’s treasured possession.
- God gave his Son—the one who served him perfectly—to spare us.
You don’t need to restrict yourself to these thoughts alone.
Just let the Spirit guide you in this time of reflection.
3. Prayer
Let’s now enter into a time of prayer. Here’s a prayer based on today’s passage:
"Lord,
We who fear you speak together with one voice.
You are our Father, our Lord, our Saviour.
You sanctify and restore us.
Pay attention to our prayers.
Please hear my prayers today.I am yours. I am yours forever, my Lord, the Lord of hosts.
In the day when you take up your treasured possession,
Your bride, your church, your people,
Every knee will bow, and every tongue will confess that you are Lord.
You will spare your people, as only one ever deserved to be spared.
Lord, thank you for sparing us in the name of the Son who served you.
Thank you for clothing us with his righteousness.One final time, we will see the distinction.
between the righteous and the wicked,
between one—the only one—who served God perfectly, and the ones who do not.
I made my table with the transgressors.
I threw in with their lot.
I have sinned.
I sin.
Forgive me Lord, for the sins of yesterday,
for the trespasses of the day,
and for those failures yet to come.Keep confirming to me the eternality of your sacrifice,
Keep conforming me to the perfect one, the Son of God.Amen."
Take a moment to continue in your own words. Let this prayer guide you into a deeper conversation with God.
4. Contemplation
We have just one week left in Malachi. As we think towards reading the fourth and final chapter together, let’s not forget what we’ve gained so far. Each week, we write down one thing that stood out to us, and then reread those that came before. What have you written so far, and what will you write today?
Take a second to reflect.
Write it down.
Feel free to reach out with any other questions you might have, or leave a comment to discuss further.
Thank you for joining me this morning. May God’s Word continue to guide and bless you throughout your week.
Grace and Peace,
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All bible verses taken from: The Holy Bible: English Standard Version, (Wheaton, IL: Crossway Bibles, 2016)
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