Daily Reading // Malachi 1-4
(Find the daily reading on Pastor Jim’s Blog)
https://jholm5.wixsite.com/pastor-jim-blog
S // SCRIPTURE
Select a verse from today’s reading
Malachi 4:5 (NKJV) Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet Before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD.
O // OBSERVATION
Why did this verse get your attention? Make a simple observation from the text
Malachi said Elijah the prophet would proceed the coming of the Messiah. The Jews knew that and were expecting to see him. In the Passover meals a place at the table was set for Elijah. Observant Jews still make that part of their Passover today.
Jesus’ disciples knew about this prophecy and asked Him about it. Jesus told them that John the Baptist was the fulfillment of this prophecy.
A // APPLICATION
How can I apply this to my life today?
Since I know John the Baptist was the fulfillment of this prophecy, I can use it to understand prophecy and it’s fulfillment. Would I have seen John the Baptist and realized, “Yep, there’s Elijah the prophet. There’s the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy.”?
I don’t think I would have had Jesus not given us the answer. Outwardly there was very little similarity. Elijah didn’t baptize. John didn’t call down fire from heaven. They had very little in common.
But both called the nation to repentance and challenged them to make a definite decision. Turn from serving false gods and serve God only. Repent of your sins and make a decision to follow the Lord. The similarity is inward, not outward.
Look beyond the surface. God is doing a deep work.
P // PRAYER
Express yourself in prayer
Father, teach me Your Word and it’s fulfillment. Amen.