On Sunday morning we looked at the last section of the prophect Malachi together. Malachi told the people that they were sometimes seeing God like customers rather than like children. They were asking 'what's in it for me?' rather than seeking to honour God and understanding their special position. This had all kinds of implications, but it mattered not only for this life, but for eternity. In the end, all people will be divided by whether they have faith in Jesus or whether they do not. There is a Day coming when this will happen. There are only two outcomes in eternity: joy in being with God forever in his family, or horror from being under God's anger. We were reminded that there is time to turn, and that evangelism is urgent. God is faithful, and we look forward to a Day when all is put right. Pray this week for friends and family members who don't know Jesus.

On Sunday morning, we looked at the start of Malachi 3 together. The people of God had been doubting God's justice. They saw so many problems in the world around them yet God did not seem to be doing much about them. Malachi promised that God would do something about this; in fact, God himself was going to come to his temple! There would be a messenger (who we know now was John the Baptist) and then God would come (who we know is Jesus). God's coming would be for refining and judgement; sin would be dealt with not only for people out there, but for everyone. One example Malachi gave was the people's lack of generosity. This passage reminded us that God cares about sin and does act in justice, especially in Jesus. We all are sinners, not only the people out there in the world. We should see God with thanks, never pride, for we are only God's people by grace. Take some time to reflect on the fact that you are saved by grace alone; pray or sing about this, because we need to be reminded.

Through the prophet Malachi, God warned his people about faithlessness. While the priests were still teaching and doing religious things, they had become corrupt and not good examples. Their heart was not in it. This was terrible as God expected faithfulness in teaching and in example. The same attitude extended to the marriages in the people of God. Too many were marrying unbelievers or divorcing their wives; both of these actions went against God's ideal of faithfulness. God calls his people to a high standard, not just in what we do but what we want and how we think. Yet we also know that Jesus is the ultimate faithful one where we could not be, the perfect example and husband. We should trust in Jesus and also strive to live faithful lives. Is there anything you need to talk to God about? If you realise your own faithlessness in some area of life, come to One who is faithful, who welcomes all sinners who come to him.