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“And a record book was written before him of those who fear the LORD and trust in his name” (Malachi 3:16).
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Malachi was one of the last prophets in Israel, prophesying several hundred years before the birth of Jesus.
He preached about the final judgment, warning Israel that God will personally judge each person for his or her behavior.
Those who serve the Lord faithfully will have their names written in one book, and those who are unfaithful will have their names written in another – an imagery of separation, which Jesus himself uses.
Some believe Malachi is making an early reference to the Book of Life, the book that contains the name of every person who will journey safely to heaven.
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Malachi warns Israel about three behaviors, in particular: priestly and marital infidelity, unpaid tithes, and half-hearted believers, things we should still be warned about today.
Fortunately, there is still time for us to repent, if needed. But may the prophecy of Malachi remind us that we must do so if we want to be forgiven.
As the Psalmist says today, “Blessed the one who follows not the counsel of the wicked, nor walks in the way of sinners…But who delights in the law of the LORD and meditates on his law day and night.”