As a teenager, I went through the typical season of rebellion against my mothers authority. My father died before I entered adolescence, so my mom had to navigate these turbulent parenting waters without his help.
I recall thinking that Mom didnt want me to ever have any funand maybe didnt even love mebecause she frequently said no. I see now that she said no to activities that werent good for me precisely because she loves me.
The Israelites questioned how much God loved them because of their time in captivity in Babylon. But that captivity was Gods correction for their continued rebellion against Him. So now, God sent the prophet Malachi to them. His opening words from the Lord were, I have loved you (Malachi 1:2). Israel replied skeptically, inquiring as to how God has loved them, as if to say, Really? But God, through Malachi, reminded them of the way He had demonstrated that love: He had chosen them over the Edomites.
We all go through difficult seasons in life. We may be tempted to question Gods love for us during those times. Lets recall the many ways Hes shown us His unfailing love. When we stop to consider His goodness, we find that He is indeed a loving Father.
Our heavenly Father corrects us and comforts us.
INSIGHT
Malachi, though a short book, is a very important one. Malachi ministered as the last prophet sent to the remnant that had returned to Jerusalem from the Babylonian captivity. The prophets central theme is the coming of the Messiah. The prophet preaches about Gods righteous judgment as well as His love. Its only in the overwhelming sacrifice of the Messiah, His victory over death, and coming back to earth to make all things right, that the love of God can be fully understood.
The unmerited offer of redeeming grace made known through Jesus Christ is the central theme of the Bible. Certainly our Lords life and ministry are a marvelous picture of Gods declaration I have loved you (1:2).
Why not take a few minutes to prayerfully reflect on Christ coming to redeem you and the future hope of His coming again.