Malachi was written during the post-exilic period before Ezra and Nehemiah. Malachi's message is to prepare for the Day of the Lord, and this preparatory work is still going on today. Elijah's (John the Baptist's) message of turning the hearts of fathers to their children and children to their fathers works together with the message of the good news of Jesus Christ. Remembering the message of John helps us seek to live a righteous life in Christ until He returns.