1. The Lord's treasured possession (3:13-18)

Some Israelites thought that it wasn't worth it to serve the Lord. They looked around and saw the wicked prosper, while those who acted piously seemed to have nothing. This is a question many people in the Bible (and even today!) wrestled with. Why does the Lord let the wicked prosper and those who love and serve him struggle so much? Malachi assures us that the Lord listens and hears those who love him. The Lord promises compassion on those who fear him. Those who love the Lord are his treasured possession. The Lord will make a distinction, on judgment day, between the rights and the wicked.

2. Judgement and salvation (4:1-6)

The day of the Lord will come. When it does, those who are wicked will perish and be punished eternally in fire. But those who revere the Lord's name will be found righteous. On that day they will rejoice. Before that day, the Lord would send his messenger. This was John the Baptist who prepared the way for our Lord Jesus Christ.


Application: Lord, help me to be patient and wait for your reward. Lord, I revere your name.
One Word: Revere the name of the Lord.