A vibrant prayer conversation with God | Messenger to Messiah, part 3

For this third lesson in our series, Stéphanie Rousselle invites us back into the book of Malachi, exploring its lively conversation between God and the Israelites. She likens the dialogue to a "ping pong, tennis match" that embodies a series of question-and-answer exchanges, both from God and His people. This format inspires reflections on the nature of prayer as an honest and open dialogue with God.

You are invited to purchase the workbook that contains everything you need to take your experience of the Book of Malachi deeper! For each of the six lessons, you will find a complete listening guide, questions to go deeper (on your own, with a friend, or a group), as well as a worksheet to study further themes. Go to https://www.gospelspice.com/malachi for more.

The book of Malachi teaches us about the depth and authenticity required in prayer. It challenges us to ask hard questions, ones that reveal our true desires and convictions, paralleling the Israelites who inquire about justice and God's presence in difficult times. This lesson focuses on understanding these questions within the context of Malachi chapters two and three.

A key point discussed is the Israelites' question about justice, "Where is the God of justice?" This is a pivotal inquiry situated within a broader narrative of self-awareness and repentance among the Israelites. They grapple with topics such as their faithlessness, particularly in the context of divorce, which Scripture frames as a profound societal betrayal within their culture.

Stéphanie draws connections between the book of Malachi and other Old or New Testament teachings, such as those found in Micah and Romans, highlighting themes of justice, grace, and God's redemptive love through Christ. The Israelites, through their treacherous actions towards one another, reveal a deeper spiritual unfaithfulness to God.

The prophetic role of Malachi points to John the Baptist, the latter of whom prepares the way for Jesus, the ultimate messenger. We are invited to consider our own calling as modern-day messengers of God, akin to John the Baptist, as we share the gospel and prepare for Christ's return.

Stéphanie discusses the contrast between justice and grace, illustrating that while justice, in its purest form, would condemn us, it is through grace, offered by Jesus, that we are saved. This grace is of utmost importance in the spiritual life, echoed through Scripture and the personal prayers of faith leaders like King David.

Closing, in prayer Stéphanie asks for a renewed sense of gratitude and reverence for God’s grace and for guidance to be faithful messengers of His word, underlining a central message of the book of Malachi: finding the God of grace in Christ and extending His message of redemption to the world.

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