Malachi speaks to a people who have grown cynical, thinking the Lord didn’t care about justice. They thought those who did evil were the ones the Lord favored. So, they asked, “Where is the God of justice?” But the Lord answered them, “I am coming!” He would send his messenger ahead of him to prepare for his coming. And then he would come to his temple. But his coming would bring judgment. He would be like a refiner’s fire, cleaning and purifying the Israelites. Only then would they be acceptable to the Lord; and only then would the Lord accept their offerings.

God does not change. He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. His people fail and falter. But God is always the same. This is for our security. Even when his people are not faithful. God is always faithful. And so, he calls to us, “Return to me, and I will return to you.” How do we return to the Lord? We do so by not holding back our offerings. We return to him by trusting him with our all.
Application: Father, your mercy and justice are unchanging. Refine our hearts and cleanse us that we may be acceptable to you. Help us to walk in your ways.
One Word: The Lord is coming