You know, the prophet, the last book in the Old Testament. I just read it and was doubly impressed—by Malachi’s no-nonsense approach and blunt candor, and by God’s non-nonsense attitude and extravagant mercy.

These three nuggets spoke deeply to my heart:

• “‘My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be brought to me, because my name will be great among the nations,’ says the Lord Almighty” (1:11).
  I don’t currently see this, but oh, what longing it stirs in my heart, what anticipation!

• “Then those who feared [loved] the Lord spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to what they said. In His presence, a scroll of remembrance was written to record the names of those who feared Him and always thought about the honor of His name” (3:16).
  Our conversation with others who love God is so precious to God that it’s recorded!

• “For you who fear [love] my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in His wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture” (4:2).
  I love that image and the unbridled joy and freedom it represents!

God sees the motives of our hearts and, as warranted, will correct them or reward them. I already mentioned what strikes me most—His extravagant mercy. When we err or withhold our devotion, God gladly reroutes us with generous forgiveness. What a good God!

Photo by Matthieu Rochette on Unsplash