Malachi 3:13-18 (NIV1984) Scripture

'What have we said against you?’ 13 "You have said harsh things against me," says the Lord . "Yet you ask, 'What have we said against you?’ Scripture

14 "You have said, 'It is futile to serve God 14 "You have said, 'It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? Scripture

15 But now we call the arrogant blessed 15 But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly the evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.' “ Scripture

16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name. Scripture

17 "They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. Scripture

18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not. Scripture

Malachi 3:13-18 Trusting God in Brokenness

Malachi 3:13-18 3:13 “You have said harsh things against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’ 14 You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty? 15 But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.’”

Malachi 3:13-18 16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.

Malachi 3:13-18 17 “They will be mine,” says the Lord Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” (NIV 1984)

post = after , exilic = exile post-exilic prophets post = after , exilic = exile

Audience during ‘post-exilic’ period Restored, but not fully. The former glory is absent.

Messages to this audience: Return to faithful living as God’s people. Wait patiently until the full restoration comes.

Books during ‘post-exilic’ period History Ezra, Nehemiah, Esther Prophets (the last 3 books of the OT) Haggai Zechariah Malachi (Also, some parts of Ezekiel and Daniel)

Trusting God in Brokenness Though we may be tempted to hold onto an attitude of distrust, let us persevere in trusting him because our God who promised is faithful.

Trusting God in Brokenness Attitude of the Israelites Promise to those who Persevere

Attitude of the Israelites 3:13 “You have said harsh things against me,” says the Lord. “Yet you ask, ‘What have we said against you?’

Attitude of the Israelites 14 You have said, ‘It is futile to serve God. What did we gain by carrying out his requirements and going about like mourners before the Lord Almighty?’ 15 ‘But now we call the arrogant blessed. Certainly evildoers prosper, and even those who challenge God escape.’”

Attitude of the Israelites Sometimes it is hard to see the benefit of following God and it is easy to have an attitude of distrust towards God. Let’s be honest about our struggles with trusting God and allow him to work in our lives.

Promise for those who Persevere 16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other…

Promise for those who Persevere …and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.

Promise for those who Persevere 17 “They will be mine,” says the Lord Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion man spares his son who serves him. 18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.”

Promise for those who Persevere These promises are even more complete in Christ Jesus! We are heard because of Christ’s work. (Heb 10:19-23) We are written in the Book of Life. (Rev 3:5, 20:12, etc) We are called the Lord’s treasure whom he loves and we are invited into relationship with him. (1 Pet 2:9) We will receive the reward for Christ’s righteousness.

Promise for those who Persevere Let us persevere in trusting the Lord and living for the Lord.

Though we may be tempted to hold onto an attitude of distrust, let us persevere in trusting him because our God who promised is faithful.