Welcome to the next Bible study of the book of Malachi, Chapter 3.

Verse 1: “Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts.”

This verse speaks about a coming messenger. In Christian theology, this is often interpreted as a prophecy of John the Baptist preparing the way for JESUS CHRIST, who is the LORD and the messenger of the New Covenant. This prepares the reader to expect a significant divine encounter.

Verse 2: “But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner’s fire, and like fullers’ soap:”

This verse raises the question of who can withstand the coming of the LORD. It emphasizes the purifying, refining nature of GOD’S mighty presence. Refiners fire symbolizes purity and cleansing, while fuller’s soap signifies the removal of stains.

Verse 3: “And he shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and he shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the LORD an offering in righteousness.”

The focus shifts to the priests (sons of Levi) who are to be purified so they can serve GOD acceptably. This reflects the importance of holiness in worship.

Verse 4: “Then shall the offering of Judah and Jerusalem be pleasant unto the LORD, as in the days of old, and as in former years.”

As a result of purification, the offerings from Judah and Jerusalem will please the LORD. This highlights GOD’S desire for genuine worship that comes from a purified heart.

Verse 5: “And I will come near to you to judgment; and I will be a swift witness against the sorcerers, and against the adulterers, and against false swearers, and against those that oppress the hireling in his wages, the widow, and the fatherless, and that turn aside the stranger from his right, and fear not me, saith the Lord of hosts.”

GOD lists specific sins He will judge, highlighting injustices and moral failures. This verse shows GOD’S commitment to justice and the protection of the vulnerable.

Verse 6: “For I am the LORD, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.”

This assures Israel that GOD’S unchanging nature is the reason they have not been destroyed despite their failings. It emphasizes GOD’S faithfulness.

Verses 7-9: “Even from the days of your fathers ye are gone away from mine ordinances, and have not kept them. Return unto me, and I will return unto you, saith the LORD of hosts. But ye said, Wherein shall we return? Will a man rob GOD? Yet ye have robbed me. But ye say, Wherein have we robbed thee? In tithes and offerings.”

GOD calls His people to repentance. They are accused of robbing GOD through their failure to bring tithes and offerings, which signifies a lack of commitment to GOD’S covenant.

Verses 10-12: “Bring ye all the tithes into the storehouse, that there may be meat in mine house, and prove me now herewith, saith the LORD of hosts, if I will not open you the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it.”

GOD invites His people by being faithful in giving. This promise speaks of blessings and abundance that follow obedience.

Verses 13-15: “Your words have been stout against me, saith the LORD. Yet ye say, What have we spoken so much against thee? Ye have said, It is vain to serve GOD: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?”

The people are disillusioned, questioning the value of serving GOD amid their hardships. GOD responds to their complaints, showing that He is aware of their doubts.

Verses 16-18: “Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him.”

This reflects a remnant that truly fears the LORD and values their relationship with Him. Their faithful words establish a lasting record before GOD.

Conclusion:

The passage from Malachi calls for reflection on personal and communal faithfulness to our almighty GOD. It emphasizes themes of purification, justice, repentance, and the blessings of obedience. As believers today, we are reminded of the importance of our relationship with GOD and each other, encouraging us to stay committed and faithful in our walk with Him.

Let us Pray:

Dear LORD almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We come before You with humble hearts, acknowledging Your greatness and faithfulness. You are the GOD who promised to send a messenger to prepare the way before us. We thank You for the arrival of Your glorious, fulfilling SAVIOUR and REDEEMER, JESUS CHRIST, who has come to cleanse our hearts and refine our spirits. We ask that You search our hearts and reveal any uncleanliness within us. Help us to recognize the ways we have strayed from Your commands, and grant us the strength and desire to return to You in sincerity and truth. May we be purified like gold and silver, that we may offer to You sacrifices of righteousness. As we await Your coming, remind us of Your everlasting love and faithfulness. Help us to be mindful of the tithes and offerings we bring to You, that we might honor You with the first fruits of our labor. Teach us to trust in Your provision and blessings, knowing that You are faithful to pour out Your blessings upon us. Dear LORD almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, we sometimes feel weary in our faith, facing challenges and doubts. Help us to remain steadfast, remembering that You are a mighty GOD of justice and mercy. You see our struggles and our hearts; help us to find hope in Your promises, knowing with a trustworthy, peacefully understanding that those who fear Your name will see Your glory. May Your name be revered among us, and may we live in a way that reflects Your infinite love and grace to those around us. Strengthen our hearts and give us courage to stand firm in our faith. We thank You for Your great assurance that we receive throughout Your marvelous righteous Word and truth fulfilling Holy Spirit, with remembrance for those who fear You. Remind us daily that we are Yours and that our labor is not in vain. Thank you dear LORD, almighty HEAVENLY FATHER, We pray all these things throughout the mighty, glorious, fulfilling name of JESUS CHRIST. Amen!

Much LoVe, JoY, Peace and Blessings to You, through JESUS CHRIST, our LORD, SAVIOUR and REDEEMER!