Why Malachi?

Why Malachi?

Why in the world would we do a sermon series on the book of Malachi? You might be asking, Isn’t there something more relevant we could study in the Bible? That’s a fair question.

A few years ago, I probably would have asked the same thing. Like many believers, I often overlooked the minor prophets, those shorter books tucked away at the end of the Old Testament. Honestly, I found them hard to understand and easy to ignore. But over time, something changed. As I began to study them more deeply, I discovered a surprising truth: these Old Testament books are incredibly relevant to our Christian lives and the challenges we face today, both personally and within the church.

So, why Malachi? Read on to understand its background, and its powerful message for us now.

Historical Context

Malachi likely received his message from the Lord during the fifth century B.C., around the time of Nehemiah’s leadership. God’s people had returned from exile in Babylon and were trying to rebuild Jerusalem, which was a shadow of it’s former glory. The temple was in disrepair. The city wall was broken down. Morale was low.

Under the leadership of Ezra and Nehemiah, the people worked to restore the temple and rebuild the wall. But it wasn’t easy. They faced intense external opposition and internal strife. Emotionally and spiritually, they struggled. Injustice and oppression had crept in. The poor were mistreated. God’s Word had been neglected.

Ezra’s preaching led to national repentance, and there was weeping over sin, yet when we arrive at Malachi’s prophecy, we see that repentance didn’t lead to lasting renewal. Worship had become shallow, ritual without heart. The people dishonored the covenant of marriage. They brought God second-rate offerings. The priests failed to lead in the fear of the Lord. The people questioned God’s justice and doubted His love. Externally, they still “followed the rules,” but internally, their hearts were far from Him.

In His grace, God used Malachi to expose this hypocrisy and call His people back, again, toward genuine repentance. And then… silence. Malachi is the final prophetic voice for nearly 400 years until John the Baptist bursts onto the scene, preparing the way for the Messiah. This book isn’t just a rebuke, it’s a bridge. It points us toward Jesus.

Cultural Relevance

So again: Why Malachi?

Because the issues Malachi addressed are still alive in our churches and hearts today. We often believe God owes us something for our outward obedience. But Malachi challenges us to ask: What’s happening inside? Are we offering God our best, or just our leftovers? Are we generous with our time and money, or just going through the motions? Are we tolerating shallow teaching and weak leadership? Do we value the covenant of marriage, or treat it as disposable? Do we care about justice for the poor and oppressed? Do we trust God’s love even when life is hard? Do we thank Him for working in history to bring us redemption?

Malachi is a wake-up call. It teaches us about God’s love, the heart of true worship, faithfulness in marriage, the pursuit of justice, the call to give generously, and the promise of a coming Savior. This isn’t dusty history, it’s a mirror for the modern church. So, why Malachi? Because God’s Word still speaks. It still convicts. It still calls us to worship Him in spirit and truth. And it still points us to Jesus the One who came to save.

Join us Sundays at 9 or 11am as we walk through this powerful book together. God has something to say to you through Malachi.

Reading Guide: 

July 13: Malachi 1:1-5

July 20: Malachi 1:6-2:9

July 27: Malachi 2:10-16

August 3: Malachi 2:17-3:5

August 10: Malachi 3:6-12

August 17: Malachi 3:13-4:6