This is the last week of This Is the Old Testament! Next week, we’ll continue our thematic overview of the entire Bible with This Is The New Testament. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book or two of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Malachi? The book of Malachi rebukes Judah’s sins by quoting their own words, repeating their own thoughts, and describing their own attitudes. As a motivation for obedience, the prophet Malachi pointed to God’s demonstrations of love for Israel, their spiritual and covenant unity with God and one another, and a coming day of salvation and blessing for those who fear Him.
How Malachi Fits Into the Story: Malachi is the last prophetic message from God before the close of the Old Testament period. Malachi reminds us that we have a great, loving, and holy God, who has unchanging and glorious purposes for His people. This God calls us to genuine worship, fidelity to Himself and to one another, and expectant faith in what He is doing and says He will do for His people.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does today’s reading offer closure to the Old Testament narrative? How does it also foreshadow the hope of Christ to come?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
Congratulations to you and your hubby, Victoria! Praying for your continued health in this pregnancy and for a healthy baby at the end of it. I can highly recommend you hide some verses in your heart because, if you are anything like I was after a miscarriage and finally success in IVF, you may find fear that makes it hard to remain joyous and hopeful in this season. Romans 12:12 and Zephaniah 3:17 were good verses to cling to for me.
Before this study, I can truly say I did not give the OT the reverence it deserves as a part of the Bible. By that, I mean that I tend to treat it as old history that is interesting to read but not tying it to the redemption story the way I should. Malachi certainly gives me much food for thought as he prophesied before Jesus came about Gods provision for us.
Praying for all the prayer requests shared. I would love prayers to be brave and find a church home to be a part of. My hubby and I have floated for far too long at our current church. I’d like to try new ones out then determine where we fit best. If it’s at our current church, then fine. We need to be more committed and active in our church.
Ashleigh I am adding this to my prayer list.
This study has been Amazing! Thank you SRT, and all here.
Nads, Donna Wolcott on the topic of kneeling…I too was brought up in a church that kneeled (Episcopalian). I MISS being able to kneel. Nads your post had me sobbing for your bold and generous offer. Thank you for all of us whose old knees just can’t work that way any more. May the Lord bless you greatly.
Rhonda J I too am appalled at what and who young people today miss. I heard a sermon this past Sunday from Passion City Church by a Andrew Scott. I don’t know how to link stuff but it’s on YouTube in their feed. He talks about 94% of the world’s population knowing about Coca Cola but only about 50% knowing about Jesus. He goes on to talk about not needing to go on “missions”, but to just go live our lives & share Jesus throughout the world. Sometimes I think we forget that we need to be doing our job right here.
Victoria E. Praising the Lord. Lauren, for you too! And Crystal…yay!
ERB, Rhonda J, Karrie (you & your family), and all the other requests I’m praying.
Brenda Walsh I don’t know about Churchmouse’s name, but I do remember she told us last summer that she had gotten off and closed all her social media accounts. They were stressing her out too much. I’m praying we’ll hear from her too. I miss her.
My prayers for a blessed weekend for all y’all.
But God — He lets His people have it in Malachi 4. The first part of Malachi 4 reminds me some of parts of the book of Revelation. But God — He is a forgiving, loving, caring, compassionate God. Yet He will rebuke you if you do wrong.
Father, I praise Your name and love You. Forgive my wrong doings, You know best what they are. Help me through my troubled times and be with me in the good times. Alleluia and Amen.
Prayers sent to all who need them and be blessed sisters and have a great weekend.
Melanie, MelanieK, ERB, Donna Wolcott, Taylor, Maura, Nads,Deanna, CeeGee, MariV and ALL, thank you! Thank you all for your continued prayer for a healthy pregnancy. I firmly believe prayer is powerful! I am speechless at al the insightful comments, raw testimony, emotional openness and support here in this community. This is such a wonderful example of God’s kingdom here on earth that I have never seen the like of. I will continue to pray for those requests mentioned here. @Karrie thank you for sharing your request here today. @Maura and ERB praying for you as well. @HopeTrent praying for your peace of mind and that Hod’s might hand will be evident to you in your life during this TWW and always. This study has been great, I’ve never done the entire OT, having always felt “afraid” of the God in the OT but as someone mentioned He has not changed and His love is evident throughout the OT despite the Israelites fickleness. How can we ever deserve such a mighty and loving and just God? Never ! Sometimes that is too much for my mind to comprehend and I just have to read Romans to hear Paul explain this amazing news. Sorry so long today!
Blessings upon blessings for you and your family. So many young women Victoria, with pregnancy issues. Thank you for allowing us to pray for you and yours and your medical team. Listen to Him he will guide you.
Thank you Claire B! Thank you so very much for praying.
So happy for you and your husband Victoria! Praying for a healthy pregnancy and healthy baby! Hugs ❤️
Thank you @GramsieSue! I hope you are recovering well, praying for your brain and blood vessels !
“For I am the Lord, I do not change’… Malachi 3:6. I know it wasn’t part of the reading, but to get a grasp on verses 13-18, I went back to the beginning of the chapter. It gives much more meaning to Malachi 3:17, where God says, “They shall be mine,”..on that day, I will make them My jewels.” It is so awesome to be reminded that we serve that same God! So much promise so much hope! Thank Lord for your word, & for You who never changes – always the same – yesterday, today & forever!
Have a blessed weekend my SRT sisters!
@Karrie – adding you to my prayer list!
❤️
Once again, I so enjoyed this study! Thank you SRT ladies for all you comments. I read them all and I’m praying over you. 17: They will be mine says the Lord of Armies, my own possession on the day I am preparing, I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. What a joy it will be to sit with our Father one day!