Malachi
Malachi, whose name means “my messenger,” closes the collection of twelve shorter prophetic books. It is set after the exile, when the temple stood again but enthusiasm had faded. The book unfolds as a series of disputes: God makes a statement, the people ask a skeptical question, and God answers. Topics include careless offerings, broken marriages, withheld tithes, and the complaint that serving God brings no reward. Watch for the book of remembrance kept for those who revere God. It ends with the promise of Elijah's return. Read slowly, hearing your own questions in theirs.
Choose a chapter
Malachi meditation prompts by chapter
- Malachi 1: God opens by declaring his love, but the people doubt it and offer blind and lame animals. What would it look like to give him your best, not your leftovers?
- Malachi 2: Malachi calls priests to keep true teaching on their lips, and husbands to keep faith with the wife of their youth. Where is God asking you for quiet, everyday faithfulness?
- Malachi 3: The Lord sits like a refiner over silver, patient and attentive, and keeps a book of remembrance for those who fear him. What might he be gently refining in you?
- Malachi 4: The Old Testament closes with a sun of righteousness rising with healing, and hearts of parents and children turned toward each other. Which relationship would you ask him to heal?