8th June 2025

Amazing Love

"I have loved you,” says the Lord.  

 Malachi 1:2

Today's Bible Reading:  Malachi 1:1-10 & Malachi 4:5-6.

The final major historic acts of the Old Testament are described in the books of Ezra and Nehemiah as God allowed the people of Israel to return from exile and resettle in Jerusalem. The City of David was repopulated with Hebrew families, a new temple was built, and the wall was repaired.

And that brings us to Malachi. This prophet, who was most likely a contemporary of Nehemiah, brings the written portion of the Old Testament to a close. Notice the first thing he said to the people of Israel: “ ‘I have loved you,’ says the Lord.” And look at their response: “How have you loved us?” (1:2).

I find their reply really quite amazing. Their history had proven God’s faithfulness, yet after hundreds of years in which God continually provided for His chosen people in both miraculous and mundane ways, they wondered how He had shown His love. As the book continues, Malachi reminds the people of their unfaithfulness ( v 6-8). They had a long historical pattern of God’s provision for them, followed by their disobedience, followed by God’s discipline.

It was time, soon, for a new way. The prophet hints at it in Malachi 4:5-6. The Messiah would be coming. There was hope ahead for a Saviour who would show us His love and pay the penalty once and for all for our sin.

That Messiah indeed has come! Malachi’s hope is now a reality in Christ Jesus.

Prayer: Father, I thank You that You have given me Your Word to guide, correct and comfort me. I believe that Your Word is life and truth to my spirit, and I receive the power of Your written Word in my life. In Christ's name. Amen.