We continue reading Malachi and find that this final message of the Old Testament before Christ first appeared on the scene has words of exhortation for us. These apply to our time although they first applied, to some degree, before the Messiah was born. Malachi tells them, to “guard yourselves in your spirit, and let none of you be faithless …” (2:15). We are spiritually married to Christ and there is a greater need than ever today to guard ourselves and be faithful to our union with him.

Malachi’s chapter ends, “You have wearied the LORD … by saying, ‘Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and he delights in them’. Or by asking, ‘Where is the God of justice?’”. We see similarities with today, most who believe there is a God only see Him as a ‘God of love’ – not one who will soon deal with ungodliness: and also with those who selectively read His words, watering it down to simply say – God is a God of love – and give no thought to the words which show His anger.

Revelation dramatically describes this, John “saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war … From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God” (19:11,15).

In these final days before the world sees “heaven opened” we must increase our efforts to “guard ourselves” that none of us “be faithless” – for, as our Malachi chapter began; “the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come” – the second verse asking the question, “But who can endure the day of his coming”. Well, who will endure? All those who have heeded the call to “guard yourselves in your spirit” – by feeding their minds on God’s word, appreciating from their hearts the reality of its meaning.