The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.
“I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you say, “How have you loved us?” “Is not Esau Jacob’s brother?” declares the LORD. “Yet I have loved Jacob but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” If Edom says, “We are shattered but we will rebuild the ruins,” the LORD of hosts says, “They may build, but I will tear down, and they will be called ‘the wicked country,’ and ‘the people with whom the LORD is angry forever.’” Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the LORD beyond the border of Israel!” – Malachi 1:1-5
Andrew Hill writes:
Malachi’s sermons were directed to a touch audience. His congregation included the righteous, the disillusioned, the cynical, the callous, the dishonest, the apathetic, the doubting, the skeptical and the outright wicked. What does a preacher say to this type of crowd? As a sensitive pastor, Malachi [begins with the reality] of God’s love to a disheartened people. As a lofty theologian, he instructed the people in a basic doctrinal catechism, emphasizing the nature of God as universal King, faithful Suzerain [Suzerain = Great King that other kings and nations owe allegiance to. The bible teaches this elsewhere when it calls the LORD and/or Jesus “King of Kings and Lord of Lords.”], and righteous Judge. As Yahweh’s stern prophet, Malachi rebuked corrupt priests and warned of the coming day of God’s judgment. As a spiritual mentor, he called his audience to a more sincere life of worship, and challenged the people to embrace the ethical standards of the Mosaic covenant. But above all, Malachi was Yahweh’s messenger, and his vital word to Israel was profoundly simple: “‘I have always loved you,’ says the LORD.”
MEMORY WORK – Shorter Catechism Q/A 24
Q. 24. How doth Christ execute the office of a prophet?
A. Christ executeth the office of a prophet, in revealing to us, by his word and Spirit, the will of God for our salvation.