1 This is the burden of the word of the LORD to Israel through Malachi:

2a “I have loved you,” says the LORD. But you ask, “How have You loved us?”

— Malachi 1:1-2a

But now, this is what the LORD says—He who created you, O Jacob, and He who formed you, O Israel: “Do not fear, for I have redeemed you; I have called you by your name; you are Mine!

— Isaiah 43:1

The LORD appeared to us in the past, saying: “I have loved you with an everlasting love; therefore I have drawn you with loving devotion.

— Jeremiah 31:3

Your loving devotion, O LORD, reaches to the heavens, Your faithfulness to the clouds.

— Psalm 36:5

But God proves His love for us in this: While we were still sinners, Christ died for us.

— Romans 5:8

Thoughts on Today’s Reading

Grace, mercy and love from Christ to you.

We see God sent prophets to speak to the Israelites. For example, God Used Malachi to bring His words of judgment to Israel but first reminded the people of His love toward them. Serving God had become a chore for the priests and the people alike at that time. God lovingly called them back to Himself with warnings, judgment, and promises of the coming Messiah.

Malachi’s book opens with the Lord saying, “I have loved you.” These four powerful words set the stage for everything Malachi wrote. He even presented God’s judgment through the lens of His overpowering love. God reveals His faithful love through His judgment and blessing. Malachi wrote the final book in the Old Testament. He opened with words declaring God’s love and closed with words that initiated a 400-year silence from God. Words matter; final words really matter.