Malachi 1-4

“Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to his temple” (3:1). Malachi told the Israelites that the God they claimed to follow would one day really show up. And then, “who can stand when he appears?” (3:2). Although they wept at God’s altar, Malachi said their tears were meaningless, because they were unfaithful to their spouses (2:13-15) and refused to tithe (Ch 3). They admired and envied evildoers who “prospered” (3:13). God saw the truth behind their pretensions; he saw their hearts.

“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays” (4:2). God is not impressed by public displays of repentance. But when we sincerely seek him, he forgives, heals, and restores us.