Malachi 3:13-18

The 70 years of captivity is complete. God’s people have returned to Jerusalem. The temple had been destroyed but now it’s rebuilt; however worship has not quite been restored. Things are just not quite the same.

God’s people are not all in Jerusalem (still scattered), they are surrounded by stronger nations, the people have given way to doubt, fear and sin; and the ark of the covenant is no longer in the temple. Anytime you lose so much and something so precious, upon the initial return and recovery, things won’t feel the same just yet. That’s the time to remember what God has promised about the situation. His Word helps us transition from brokenness to being made whole (Restoration)

Malachi is preaching to a people who are having second thoughts about their commitment to God because they don’t like their conditions.

I would like to share with you an illustration about a 6 and a 7 (It summarizes the message that was given on January 5, 2020)

7 is a number of completion and perfection. God did all his work in 6 days and rested on the 7th, the Sabbath or Holy Day. Everything was complete and very good. There is no 8th day, 7 completes the cycle. So 7 is a number reserved for God.

“As for 6? 6 is associated with man; created on the 6th day. If God’s number is 7, then man’s number is 6. But 6 will always fall short of 7. Scripture says “all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God” (Romans 3:23). But since Christ has come:
1. You don’t want to stay stuck on 6:
  - The one who complains about God.
  - The one who chooses in their heart not to serve God.
  - The ones who concludes that God is not worth worshipping. They will always fall short.

But the Faithful Remnant? This is where you want to be. They used to be a 6 but now they are a “6 going on 7”.
1. They fear God, which is the beginning of understanding.
2. They call upon his name and fellowship with one another.
3. They are moving closer and closer, each and every day to 7

So for every day of the New Year, be a “6 going on 7” by Serving God and Loving Him with all your heart mind and soul!

May God Bless You,
Rev Eric C. Dupre