June 10 – Malachi 4 – “The End … or is it?” – Only 6 verses today, but I think we need to remember that the chapter divisions are an artifice imposed later – by Stephen Langton in 1225 – and that when Malachi was writing God’s inspired word he wasn’t thinking of a chapter break right there (or anywhere). Because it does seem to me that the break should have been at 3:16. Either way, it is so important not to lose sight of the context – context is vital, and re-reading the previous chapter is essential if you’re reading a chapter each day. With context in mind then, the 9 verses at the end of the Old Testament give a picture that starts with a small group of people (3:16): they had fellowship with each other; God hears these worshippers who fear and honor Him. He saves them as His remnant. Burning stubble after the harvest was an accepted farming practice in the days before ploughing was mechanized. It reduced the stalks to ash so they would decompose more quickly. The image we find in v1 is that of the field of humanity: the crop has been harvested, and the stalks are ablaze. But that remnant has been set aside and is safe. In fact more than safe (v2) – compared to the stalks, the remnant has an exciting new freedom and strength (when cows are released into the pasture for the first time in spring they go crazy, gamboling like lambs - youtube/watch?v=rDvnUiO-LAk ). v5 says Elijah’s comin’. Elijah was the type for John the Baptist at Jesus’ first return – the voice in the wilderness. We believe Elijah will be the type for one of the two unnamed witnesses in Rev 11 prior to His second return. He had and will have God’s powerful protection during the time of his ministry, as well as the ability to execute God’s powerful punishment on those that oppose Him. It was this power that drew Israel back to God at a time of terrible disobedience (1 Kings 18). And the very last verse of the last chapter of the last book? That speaks of the result of Elijah’s ministry: reconciliation. - S
Posted on: Mon, 10 Jun 2013 14:55:56 +0000
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