Daily Bible Reading—December 2024, God’s Guiding Word: JoySample

Introduction

Malachi 3:1–18: The people had been questioning God’s justice (2:17) and the usefulness of serving God (3:13–15) since evil people were getting away with their behavior. God announces that a messenger will come to purify the Temple and the priests. Evildoers will be judged, and the faithful will be declared the LORD’s own.

Today’s Key Verse: Malachi 3:17

“They will be my people,” says the LORD Almighty. “On the day when I act, they will be my very own. I will be merciful to them as parents are merciful to the children who serve them.”

Reflect

For Malachi, the “messenger” is someone who will come to prepare for the Lord’s coming. In Christian tradition, this passage about the LORD’s messenger is usually seen as referring to John the Baptist (see Mark 1:2). What will the messenger do (verses 2–4)? Who will be judged (verse 5)? How were the people cheating God (verses 8–9)? Reread verses 16–18. What do these verses say about God’s mercy?

Pray

Almighty God, you know my inmost thoughts. Trusting in your love and mercy, I humbly turn to you and ask that you purify and cleanse my heart. In your holy name, I pray, Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Malachi 4:1–6: The day of the LORD is announced.