10-06-2025 PART 1: The Final Word Before the New Beginning

Section 1

Malachi 4 closes the Old Testament with weighty clarity: God calls His people to remember and obey the instructions given through Moses, underscoring that His revealed will still stands as the story turns toward a New Covenant. The often-called “400 years of silence” between Malachi and Matthew weren’t aimless; God was preparing the way, including making His Word broadly accessible so both Jews and Gentiles could engage it. The big takeaway is providence—God didn’t drift away after Malachi; He positioned history and Scripture so the gospel could launch with power and reach.

Section 2

God promises to send “Elijah” before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, a role Jesus identifies with John the Baptist. John’s ministry—repentance, baptism, and preparation—paved the highway for Jesus’ first coming. By directing people to the Lamb of God, John catalyzed the turning of hearts: parents to children and children to parents. Most importantly, his message pointed Israel (and ultimately the nations) to the One who restores the Father-child relationship—so that through Jesus we can know God as Abba and live reconciled to Him and to one another.

Section 3

The final Old Testament word is sobering—“curse”—a warning that without repentance judgment will fall; yet the New Testament’s final word—“Amen”—signals God’s faithfulness to redeem. The call is urgent and practical: listen to the forerunner’s message, turn to the Lord, and keep praying for loved ones to be written in the Book of Life. History is heading toward a decisive day when Jesus returns; for those who belong to Him, that day is hope, not dread. Until then, we cling to the good news: even in a messy world—and with our own mess—God holds us fast and never lets go.