When Blessings Go Unnoticed - MALACHI START

The prophet Malachi is listed last in the Old Testament because his ministry occurred at the end of Israel’s long, millennia-old journey with God under the terms of the former Covenant. Although they have long since returned and rebuilt the temple and city of Jerusalem, they have yet to experience the blessings of the messianic age. Consequently, the people’s spiritual vitality deteriorates. They are in a stagnant and stagnant relationship with God, and the worst part is that they don’t even realize it. 

Malachi 1:1 (ESV) The oracle of the word of the LORD to Israel by Malachi.

The word “oracle” here signifies a sense of burden. I find it fascinating to contemplate the thought of speaking on behalf of God. He doesn’t merely bestow words upon His servants; instead, He shares His burdens with them, and they are compelled to speak. One of the prayers I consistently offer during my sermons is that God may fill my heart with a burden that I must convey for His purposes. You know you’ve encountered and heard from God when you’re burdened to share His message with His people. 

The next verse reveals that burden.
Malachi 1:2–5 (ESV) “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 3 but Esau I have hated. I have laid waste his hill country and left his heritage to jackals of the desert.” 4 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.’ ” 5 Your own eyes shall see this, and you shall say, “Great is the LORD beyond the border of Israel!”

The first message from God is always love. He loves those He saves, those He calls to Himself, and especially those He disciplines. Jesus came and died because God loved (John 3:16), and His death demonstrated God’s love (See Romans 5:8). Revelation opens the apocalyptic record with clarity on God’s love for us.

Revelation 1:5–6 (ESV) To him who loves us and has freed us from our sins by his blood 6 and made us a kingdom, priests to his God and Father, to him be glory and dominion forever and ever. Amen.

For Israel, God’s love is evident in preventing them from self-destruction in history. His covenant of grace, established with Abraham, His covenant of law, established with Moses, and His covenant of Kingdom, established with David, serve as symbols of His love. Esau, the firstborn, was not chosen by God. Instead, God favored Jacob. Moreover, God declares that if Edom attempts to rebel against God’s purposes, they will be cast down once again. 

Malachi begins by reminding us that we often forget to express gratitude for God’s incredible love. He didn’t have to save us; He chose to. He didn’t have to come in the person of Christ and die for us; He did. He didn’t have to bring us to Himself and prepare a place for us in heaven; He has. And since we are loved by God, all the blessings we could ever desire are ours in Christ Jesus. 

Therefore, He rightfully expects love from us. Malachi challenges Israel on this very point. They fail to present God with an offering of love. In our subsequent post, we will delve into the consequences of losing our love for God. 




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