TODAY'S BIBLE TWEET

In the book of Malachi, we are introduced not only to the last of the Old Testament’s prophets, but also to one of its most fearless and hard-hitting prophets. Malachi was a courageous voice crying out in a wilderness of religious apathy and doubt. In a time when Israel’s existence hung in the balance, Malachi arose to call the people to live up to the demands of their relationship with God. The fact that the nation survived the crisis was due in no small part to his courageous efforts.

Malachi has been called “the Hebrew Socrates,” since both he and the famous Greek philosopher taught the people by engaging them in conversation or dialogue. Although former prophets had occasionally used the conversation technique of preaching, Malachi employed it almost exclusively as the vehicle of God’s message to a stubborn and rebellious people.

Have you ever been asked a silly question? I know I have. For instance, when I was a kid my dad was always asking me if I wanted a whipping and my mother, every time I vomited, would ask me if I was sick. Well, the book of Malachi can be divided into six divisions, and each division is centered around a silly question the people ask God.

1. How have you loved us? (1:1-5)

2. How have we despised your name? (1:6-2:9)

3. Why does He not accept our offerings? (2:10-16)

4. Where is the God of justice? (2:17-3:5)

5. How shall we return? (3:6-12)

6. What have we said against you? (3:13-4:6)