Lesson 12: A Message from Malachi

A Final Word

Historical Setting and Overview

The title of this prophecy is somewhat of a mystery. It might or might not be a name. Nothing is really known about a man named “Malachi”. The word means either “My Messenger” or possibly, “Messenger of God”. Either way, this work was accepted as the last offering of the 12 minor prophets, written some 400 years before the birth of Christ. Internal evidence suggests that this prophecy might have been given while Nehemiah returned to Persia around 432 BC. He confronted many of the problems addressed in this prophecy upon his return around 425 BC.

The temple had been rebuilt and sacrifices were being offered again, and time has passed. The thrill was gone. Worship and faithful living had grown tiresome.

Malachi ends on a note of judgment, with the threat of a curse. Although not the last work in the Hebrew canon, this is the last book of prophecy and ushers in a long period of silence before John the Baptist bellows: “Behold, the Lamb of God!” Jesus himself identified John as the one Malachi wrote about: “Behold, I send My messenger and he will prepare the way for me.... Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.”

Great and dreadful. Turn or else. Promise and threat. The Messiah is coming. That’s a good thing. Right?

Outline 

(adapted from Talk Thru the Bible, Bruce Wilkinson & Kenneth Boa):

I. Privilege of the Nation ………………………………...1:1-5
II. Pollution of the Nation ………………………...........1:6-3:15
A. Sin of the Priests of Israel ……………………….1:6-2:9
B. Sin of the People of Israel ……………………2:10-3:15
III. Promises to the Nation …………………………….3:16-4:6

Questions to Ponder

1. Have there been times in your life where God would have preferred that you not darken the door of his assemblies? Have there been times in the life of your church where God wished someone would just lock the door and throw away the key? Have there been times when “going to church” has seemed to do more harm than good?

2. What does Malachi say to the attitude of “There’s a million places I’d rather be than in church, but at least I’m here”?

3. What does Malachi say to those who would justify divorce by saying “God would want me to be happy”?

4. Since we are not under law, but are under grace, and since we are not commanded to tithe, can we still rob God? How and at what point?

5. What blemished sheep have you offered God? What should faithful leaders do with blemished offerings?

6. Describe a period when you or your church passed through the refiner’s fire. What remained? What was consumed?

7. What has tempted you to question if there is really anything to gain by serving God?

8. Can God really bless you with more than you can store?

Memorable Quotes

“Return to me, and I will return to you, says the LORD Almighty.”

“Then those who feared the LORD, talked with each other,
and the LORD listened and heard.”

“…for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise
with healing in its wings.”

- Joey Marlin

(Joey Marlin is married to the former Marie Bobbitt and living in Memphis, TN with his children Luke, Jonathan and Allie. He is currently the Director of IT (!) for a small and growing firm. BA (85) Harding – Psychology. MA (90) Abilene Christian – Bible and Related Studies.)