GOD’S FINAL WORD

Throughout Scripture we are presented with just two ways to live: the way of the wicked (the broad road that leads to destruction) and the way of the righteous (the narrow way that leads to life). Malachi is no different and, as the prophecy closes, the Lord speaks of the same two destinies – judgment or blessing. “‘All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,’ says the LORD Almighty” (1). It is a devastating verdict, which describes the end of the wicked. As Malachi looks ahead to the distant horizon, he sees something else. “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays” (2). The prophecy turns full circle, returning to the moving affirmation we saw at the beginning of the book: “I have loved you.” (Malachi 1:2) The final word of the prophecy is “destruction,” but that is not the ultimate end of the story. There follows a pause of 400 years before another messenger declares, “Look, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” (John 1:29) These two realities – blessing or judgment, life or death – remain before us. This short prophecy affirms that, for all who turn to Him, the Lord assures us of His steadfast love and the eternal security of belonging to Him. (Malachi 3:16,17)

“The warning that ends the Old Testament is not absent from the end of the New,” says Joyce Baldwin, “but the difference is that there, grace has the last word.” (J Baldwin, Haggai, Zechariah, Malachi, Tyndale OT Commentaries, IVP, 1972, p253). As we stand on the threshold of a New Year, let’s hold this final word in our hearts: “Amen. Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God’s people.” (Revelation 22:20,21)

Entering 2021, we pray: “May the grace of our Lord Jesus Christ, and the love of God, and the fellowship of the Holy Spirit, be with you all (2 Corinthians 13:14).”