Malachi – the Messiah Promised

“See, I will send the prophet Elijah to you before that great and dreadful day of the Lord comes.  He will turn the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents; or else I will come and strike the land with total destruction.”
-Malachi 4:5-6

The books of Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi are filled with apocalyptic messages and visions of the coming Messiah – as Joshua, as Elijah, and one who measures the city of God.  The work of God was not yet completed at the end of the Old Testament.  God’s fulfillment of those prophecies was coming at the end of time.  The Jewish people continue to look for the coming Messiah.  We see in the New Testament that Jesus fulfills those prophecies of the One who was to come.

As we complete our Old Testament journey through the Bible on Route 66, it is helpful to see the connections between the stories of God creating the world and God’s desire for how people will live in it.  God’s chosen people were never intended to keep their relationship with God to themselves.  From the beginning, it was God’s desire that Abraham’s line be a light to all nations.  As we venture into the New Testament, it is my prayer that we see the connections between the stories of the people of Israel and Jesus fulfilling the prophecies of the coming Messiah.

All through the Old Testament we have seen God’s desire to be in intimate relationship with His people.  God cares about how we worship.  God cares about how we live in community with one another.  God is slow to anger and abounding in love and forgiveness.  In order to fully comprehend the love of God, He sent Jesus.  Thank you for joining me on this journey through the Bible.  Let’s enjoy our stops along the way through the Gospels!

God of justice, in baptism you anointed us to live boldly in the reality of your coming kingdom. We confess that we have not fulfilled our calling. We have not used your power to serve our neighbors. We have walked away from oppression and injustice. We have turned our backs on your beloved children who hunger and thirst in a world of plenty.  Forgive us, Lord. Make us courageous servants of your justice, peace, and wholeness, in Jesus’ name. Amen.