Be Prepared

Daily Devotional: Read Malachi 4:1–6

Every day the news gives a list of reasons why we should feel uncertain. The economy, politics, global conflicts, and the climate are all listed as reasons to feel uneasy. Even within our own families, we face struggles. There is a lot to worry about. The people of Israel returned from exile with a long list of worries. They were still under the thumb of the Persians, which included paying high taxes. The people were impoverished. They often wondered, “Where was God?”

Everyday news

Malachi 4:1–6 includes the final words of the Old Testament. In it, the Lord provides a message of comfort to a discouraged people. He desired Israel to take their eyes off their current troubles and look to Him. In particular, He wanted them to anticipate the future He had promised them—the day of the Lord (v. 1). At this time, God will judge the evil and arrogant. Justice will be done. The righteous who have put their faith in the Lord will be vindicated. They will rejoice and dance (v. 2).

Until that day, we are to remember God’s word (v. 4). We are to seek hope not in circumstances but in God’s promises. Before the day of the Lord comes, God promised that He would send a messenger, the prophet Elijah (v. 5). The New Testament clarifies that this promise was partially fulfilled in the person of John the Baptist who prepared Israel for the coming of the Messiah (Matt. 11:13–14).

There is an interval between Jesus’ first coming in grace and His second coming in judgment when all of God’s promises will be fulfilled (Rev. 22:10–15). What a fitting way to close the Old Testament by reminding us to keep our eyes focused on the Lord and His promised future, “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus” (Rev. 22:20).

Go Deeper

What a wonderful promise with which to end our study! Share your takeaways from this month’s study in our Today in the Word Facebook group.

Pray with Us

As we complete this study, remind us, Lord, that our hope is in You. Encourage us as we go into the world with the promise of Your presence. Help us look forward to the day when we will see You face to face!

For you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays.

Malachi 4:2