Malachi 4

Message: Contrasting those who fear His name with those who don't and He overcomes.

Time: See Malachi 1; Also, as a reminder, the Jews of this time thought God was unfaithful, but could it rather be they were unfaithful. Difficult to Date but...Circa 445-420BC

What the Lord is Saying:

Verse 1: The Day of the Lord is coming. And this day will be unlike any other day. It states this day will come "like a furnace burning." Fire often accompanies the judgment day of the Lord. It speaks of the day of judgment being a day when the arrogant and wicked or those that proudly stood in opposition from God will be like chaff, easily blown away. At this time, they will be not able to spring up or rise up for they won't be a root, nor branch. 

Verse 2: And here we have a contrast to those who Fear His Name. The sin of righteousness will rise to, not to all, but only to those who fear His Name. And our response to this being raised up will be like calves let out of a stall. We will run free.

Verse 3:: And the righteous will tread on the wicked. The wicked were always seen to have had success, but here, most assuredly, they will be under the feet of those who fear God.

Don't lose heart. The wicked seem like they prevail often, but in the end the righteous will tread on the wicked.

And 4-6 is interesting. We look back to the Law and remember it. We get ready for Elijah and his coming. Elijah will be the next prophet. And we look forward and remember the special relationship of fathers and their children.

1. Don't ignore my kids
2. Watch my words - don't express disapproval or put-downs
3. Don't have a spirit of disappointment towards them
== From John Piper message on this chapter.

Promise: Stand firm until the end. Glories await the chosen ones of God.