By Pastor Alex Ruelo
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The last verse in the last chapter of the book of Malachi, which is also the last book in the Old Testament says, “Look, I am sending you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord arrives. His preaching will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise I will come and strike the land with a curse.” Malachi 4:5-6. After the book of Malachi, there was 400 years of silence before the book of Matthew. There were no prophets during those 400 years, therefore no word from God. Malachi thought the prophet he was referring to was Elijah, but he was actually referring to John the Baptist who will pave the way for the coming of Jesus Christ.
Why do we need to bring back the hearts of the fathers to their children? What were they
doing wrong during those times?
Malachi 1:7-8- wrong sacrifice
Malachi 1:6-disrespect for God
Malachi 2:8-going back to the wrong path
Malachi 2:10-fighting among ourselves
Malachi 2:15-betrayal in the family
Malachi 3:5-oppression
Malachi 3:8-stealing from God
So what does God want from us? He wants our best. He wants us to put to heart all of his teachings. He wants us to give importance to our family. He wants us to allow Him to cleanse our lives. He wants our tithes. He wants us to be humble. He wants so many things that He does not need. Therefore, it should be our privilege to give our best to Him.