Burdened to Preach

What we know about Malachi:

Likely a prophetic title and matching name. Shortened form of “Malachiah” , referenced in 2 Esdras (Not Ezra, but from apocryphal text.

Time period overlaps the time of Ezra & Nehemiah, when Israel is under Persian rule.

Mid-fifth century B.C.

Instead of dealing with widespread idolatry, Malachi focuses on diluted and dead worship of God.

Malachi 1:1 ESV

1 The oracle of the word of the Lord to Israel by Malachi.

2021: Building Our Family

Malachi will urge us toward enthusiastic obedience

Ephesians will focus us on unity & purpose

Four points of this verse to focus on:

The oracle

Hebrew “mas-SAW”

KJV & ASV literally translate as “burden” (heavy load to be carried)

the Word of the Lord

The messenger does not take credit for the words

to Israel

Who are we talking about?

Jacob

Jacob’s descendants/the nation

All God’s people

In this instance, Malachi addresses the descendants.

by Malachi

The messenger/mouthpiece

APPLICATION

The scriptures are written by dual authors.

2 Timothy 3:16–17 ESV

16 All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, 17 that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work.

The believer is burdened by the scriptures (internal)

Hebrews 4:12 ESV

12 For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart.

The believer is burdened with the scriptures (external)

Acts 4:19–20 ESV

19 But Peter and John answered them, “Whether it is right in the sight of God to listen to you rather than to God, you must judge, 20 for we cannot but speak of what we have seen and heard.”