I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come, says the LORD Almighty.
Malachi 3:1 (NIV)
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Today’s Devotional
In Malachi 3:1, the prophet Malachi speaks of a messenger that God will send to prepare the way before Him. This verse is considered a prophecy of the coming of both John the Baptist, who prepared the way for Jesus, and Jesus Himself, the messenger of the covenant. This prophecy points to the fulfillment of God’s promises and the arrival of the long-awaited Messiah.
As the messenger of the covenant, Jesus came to establish a new covenant between God and humanity, one based on grace, forgiveness, and faith in Him. This new covenant replaces the old covenant, which was based on the Law and required strict adherence to its rules and regulations. Through Jesus, we are offered forgiveness for our sins and the opportunity to enter into a personal relationship with God.
Malachi 3:1 also highlights the suddenness of the Lord’s coming. Though people were awaiting the arrival of the Messiah, His coming was still unexpected and caught many off guard. This serves as a reminder for us to be vigilant and prepared for the Lord’s return, which will also come suddenly and unexpectedly.
Time to reflect
As we reflect on Malachi 3:1, let us apply the teachings of this verse in our personal lives by:
- Embracing the new covenant established by Jesus, which offers us forgiveness, grace, and a personal relationship with God.
- Studying the prophecies in the Bible that were fulfilled in Jesus, deepening our understanding of His mission and purpose.
- Living in a state of readiness for the Lord’s return, cultivating a close relationship with Him through prayer, worship, and obedience.
- Sharing the good news of the new covenant with others, helping them to discover the hope and salvation offered through Jesus Christ.
- Reflecting on the suddenness of the Lord’s coming, allowing it to motivate us to prioritize our spiritual growth and faithfulness to Him.
Prayer Of The Day
Lord Almighty, we are grateful for the messenger of the covenant, Jesus Christ, who came to establish a new covenant of grace, forgiveness, and faith. We ask for Your guidance as we embrace this new covenant and strive to live our lives in accordance with Your will. Help us to be prepared for Your return and to be vigilant in our walk with You. May we grow in our understanding of Your purpose and plan for our lives, and may we be faithful in sharing the good news of the new covenant with others. In Jesus’ name, we pray. Amen.
Strengthening Faith
Considering Malachi 3:1, take these action steps to grow in your faith and readiness for the Lord’s return:
- Dedicate time each day to prayer, Bible study, and worship, nurturing your personal relationship with God and growing in your understanding of His will for your life.
- Share your faith with others, offering them the hope, grace, and forgiveness found in Jesus Christ and the new covenant.
- Evaluate your life and priorities, ensuring that you are living in accordance with God’s will and that you are prepared for His sudden return.
Today Wisdom
Malachi 3:1 reminds us of the importance of being prepared for the Lord’s return and the fulfillment of His promises. As we embrace the new covenant established by Jesus, let us be intentional in our pursuit of a closer relationship with God and in our efforts to share the good news with others. By doing so, we can remain vigilant and ready for the Lord’s sudden return, while also experiencing the peace, joy, and hope that comes from living a life of faithfulness and obedience to Him.
