Is it really worthwhile serving God?  This question, asked by God’s people in the time of Malachi, is still asked today.  The prophet urges us not to only look at our present situation, but to see the future.  God is in control and He has planned good things for His children, but we need to trust Him, even when trials come. 

You see there will be a distinction between the righteous and the wicked, and between those who serve God and those who do not.  It may appear that the arrogant are blessed and that evil doers prosper, but in Malachi 4:1 God says, “Surely the day is coming.  All the arrogant and every evil doer will be stubble …”

 

On the other hand, God says that those who honour His name will be His, and in “that day they will make up His treasured possession.”

 

This is a wonderful assurance for the future, but God also promises His presence with us right now.  Malachi ends his book with an amazing prophecy, which was fulfilled with the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.  “But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its’ wings.  And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stalls.”