Why Must I Continue to Wait?

A Few Thoughts to Consider

Do you hate waiting?

Sometimes, God moves quickly, but most times, he takes much longer than we like. We see this theme of waiting repeatedly in Scripture. God’s people are somewhat to blame as they continue to reject his grand invitation for a loving covenantal love relationship. Such is the continual theme from the first few Scripture verses until the last.

The Book of Malachi is a prophetic message addressing the spiritual and moral decay of the Israelites after their return from exile. Malachi confronts the priests and the people for neglecting true worship and being unfaithful to God’s covenant. The main message of Malachi emphasizes God's unwavering covenantal love for Israel despite their unfaithfulness. In the words of Richard Taylor and Ray Clendenen,

It contains in miniature the essential message of the Old Testament, the Scriptures that Jesus revered and that his disciples used for their worship, preaching, and devotional life. It deals with the nature of God and the covenant member’s relationship and responsibility to him and to other members of the covenant community, as well as with our relationship to and responsibilities for our material possessions. It also peers into God’s sovereign plan for the nations of the world and the universal judgment and redemption he will bring at the end of the ages. Malachi, therefore, is a fitting conclusion to the Old Testament and provides Christians today a transition for understanding the kingdom proclamation begun by John the Baptist and continued by Jesus in the Gospels. ^[1]

In Malachi 1:11, God says, “My name will be great among the nations, from the rising of the sun to its setting. Incense and pure offerings will be presented in my name in every place because my name will be great among the nations.” However, Chapter 2 opens with a word of warning: ¹ “Therefore, this decree is for you priests: ² If you don’t listen, and if you don’t take it to heart to honor my name,” says the Lord of Armies, “I will send a curse among you, and I will curse your blessings. In fact, I have already begun to curse them because you are not taking it to heart.

It's worth noting that the book of Malachi was written during a time of waiting as the Jewish people were anticipating the fulfillment of God's promises following their return from exile. “True the temple had been completed,” says Joyce G. Baldwin, “but nothing momentous had occurred to indicate that God’s presence had returned to fill it with glory, as Ezekiel had indicated would happen (Ezek. 43:4). The day of miracles had passed with Elijah and Elisha. The round of religious duties continued to be carried on, but without enthusiasm.”^[2]

It's this anticipation that sets the scene for Jesus Christ to come to earth in the form of a baby. Anticipating this day, Malachi 3:1 says, “See, I am going to send my messenger, and he will clear the way before me. Then the Lord you seek will suddenly come to his temple, the Messenger of the covenant you delight in—see, he is coming.” The wait will soon be over.

A Meditation to PRAY

Praise | Lord, I praise you for your unwavering covenantal love and faithfulness, as shown in Malachi. Your promises and steadfast commitment to your people are a source of hope and strength for us. You are a God who never changes, always keeping your word and watching over your people with love.

Release | I release my impatience and frustration in times of waiting, trusting in your perfect timing and plans. I let go of any doubts about your faithfulness and choose to believe in your promises. Help me surrender my anxieties and rest in the assurance of your covenantal love.

Ask | Lord, give me patience and perseverance as I wait for the fulfillment of your promises. Strengthen my faith and help me remain faithful to you, even when the waiting seems long. Give me a heart that trusts in your covenant and seeks to honor you in all circumstances.

Yield | I yield to your will and timing, knowing you are always faithful to your word. I commit to living in a way that reflects your covenantal love, trusting in your promises, and remaining steadfast in my faith. Lord, may my life be a testimony to your unwavering love and faithfulness.

A Challenge to Act Like Christ  

What makes Malachi such a fitting end to the Old Testament is how often it is referenced in the New Testament. In Malachi 1:2-3, God's declaration of love for Jacob and rejection of Esau is repeated in Romans 9:13, emphasizing his special covenantal relationship with Israel. Similarly, Malachi 1:6, which questions the respect due to God as a master, finds resonance in Luke 6:46, where Jesus challenges the people for calling him 'Lord' but not following his commands.

The prophecy in Malachi 3:1 about sending a messenger to prepare the way is fulfilled in Matthew 11:10, referring to John the Baptist. The question of who can endure the day of the Lord in Malachi 3:2 is paralleled in Revelation 6:17, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment. The process of purification described in Malachi 3:3 is akin to the testing of faith mentioned in 1 Peter 1:7. The call to return to God in Malachi 3:7 is mirrored in James 4:8, encouraging repentance. Lastly, the role of Elijah as a precursor to the great and terrible day of the Lord, mentioned in Malachi 4:5-6, is connected to John the Baptist's role in Matthew 11:14 and Luke 1:17, emphasizing his task in preparing people for the Lord's coming.

These numerous connections teach us an invaluable point—God’s timetable is not our own. And sometimes, his answers may take years, even centuries, to be fulfilled. For 400 years after Malachi, Israel will continue to wait for their promised Messiah. Even this extensive wait brings them no material benefits in their lifetime; they are to wait based on God's covenantal, loving character. This remains the basis for our hope today.

If you, like many in Malachi’s audience, are tired of waiting over something you’ve been praying about for years, it’s time to renew your mind in the character nature of God. Only as you take greater confidence in his timing and provision will you be able to cope with waiting.

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^[1]Richard A. Taylor and E. Ray Clendenen, Haggai, Malachi, eds. E. Ray Clendenen and Kenneth A. Mathews, vol. 21A of The New American Commentary. Accordance electronic ed. (Nashville: Broadman & Holman Publishers, 2004), 203-204.

^[2]Joyce G. Baldwin, Haggai, Zechariah, and Malachi: An Introduction and Commentary, vol. 28 of Tyndale Old Testament Commentaries. IVP/Accordance electronic ed. (Downers Grove: InterVarsity Press, 1972), 225.