Sermons

Malachi & Mediocrity

"Malachi's sermons were directed to a tough audience. His congregation included the righteous, the disillusioned, the cynical, the callous, the dishonest, the apathetic, the doubting, the skeptical and the outright wicked. What does a preacher say to this type of crowd? As a sensitive pastor, Malachi offered the 'valentine' of God's love to a disheartened people. As a lofty theologian, he instructed the people in a basic doctrinal catechism, emphasizing the nature of God as universal King, faithful Suzerain and righteous Judge. As YHWH's stern prophet, Malachi rebuked corrupt priests and warned of the coming day of God's judgment. As a spiritual mentor, he called his audience to a more sincere life of worship, and challenged the people to embrace the ethical standards of the Mosaic covenant. But above all, Malachi was YHWH's messenger, and his vital word to Israel was profoundly simple: 'I have always loved you,' says the LORD (1:2)." (Andrew Hill)