Malachi 4 – Living with anticipation

Malachi 4 closes the books of the Old Testament. Between this last book and the coming of John the Baptist, there was an approximate gap of 400 years of silence, during which God did not speak through prophets. This chapter focuses on the judgment and restoration of the people of God.

In the first three verses of this chapter, Malachi refers to the Day of the Lord. This will be a time when God will bring judgment upon the wicked. Verse 1 says it will be a day that “burns like a furnace.” The arrogance and evildoers, like chaffs, will be burnt till nothing will be left of them.

But the righteous will be different. The righteous, those who revere and fear the Lord, will stand firm. The “sun of righteousness” shall arise to these, bringing healing in His wings.  They will experience victory over the wicked, whose ashes will be trampled upon.

In verse 4, Malachi reminds them to remember the Law of Moses given on Mount Horeb, another name for Mount Sinai. More than just a reminder, this is a solemn call for God’s people to be faithful to their covenant with Him. The Law prescribes God's righteous ways, and our responsibility is to uphold them.  

The last two verses close by discussing the future return of the Prophet Elijah. It is said that he will come before the great and terrible days of the Lord. He will restore the relationship by turning the hearts of the parents to the children and vice versa. Here, reconciliation and renewal in the community are indicated so that God will not stick the land.

The question that confronts us is this: Is this the Elijah described in the Book of the Kings? Is he John the Baptist? Jewish tradition fervently anticipates Elijah's personal and physical return before the Messiah arrives, and they are still awaiting and expecting his literal return.  

In Matthew 11:14, Jesus says, “If we are willing to accept it, he (meaning John the Baptist) is Elijah who is to come.” Furthermore, in Luke 1:17, the angel, in describing the Baptist, says he will “go as a forerunner before Him in the spirit and power of Elijah, to turn the hearts of the fathers back to the children, and the disobedient to the attitude of the righteous, to make ready a people prepared for the Lord.” Isn't this precisely what Malachi 4:6 says he would do?"

As we come to the end of this book, let us be mindful of the importance of remaining faithful to our covenant with God. Just as the people of Israel were reminded to remember the Law of Moses, we should also uphold God's righteous ways and strive to live according to His teachings. We must anticipate the closing of the ages and the fulfillment of prophecy. Be open to unexpected ways in which God may work in our lives and the world around us.