Malachi 3:18

“Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth him not.”

Historical Context:The book of Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament and is attributed to the prophet Malachi. It was written during a time when the Israelites had returned from their exile in Babylon and were facing various spiritual and moral challenges. The people had become complacent in their worship and were neglecting their covenant with God. Malachi was sent by God to challenge and correct their behaviour.

Understanding the Verse:Malachi 3:18 speaks about a future time when the people would return to God and be able to discern between the righteous and the wicked. It highlights the distinction between those who serve God faithfully and those who do not. Let’s explore the key aspects of this verse.

• a. Return to God:The verse begins with the phrase, “Then shall ye return.” This implies that there was a need for the people to turn back to God, indicating their prior straying from Him. The call to return suggests repentance and a desire for a renewed relationship with God.
• b. Discerning between the Righteous and the Wicked:The verse states that upon their return to God, the people would gain the ability to discern between the righteous and the wicked. This discernment refers to a spiritual insight that allows them to distinguish between those who follow God’s ways and those who do not. It highlights the importance of spiritual discernment in identifying and aligning with righteousness.
• c. Those who Serve God:The verse further distinguishes between those who serve God and those who do not. Serving God involves obedience to His commands, living according to His principles, and dedicating one’s life to His purposes. The verse implies that there are clear differences in attitudes, actions, and lifestyles between those who genuinely serve God and those who do not.

Application and Lessons:Malachi 3:18 has several practical applications for us today. Here are a few key lessons we can draw from this verse:

• a. The Importance of Discernment:The verse highlights the need for discernment in our lives. We should strive to cultivate spiritual discernment, enabling us to distinguish between what is righteous and what is wicked. This discernment helps us make wise choices and align our lives with God’s will.
• b. Repentance and Return:The verse emphasizes the significance of repentance and returning to God. When we recognize our mistakes or straying from God’s ways, we should humbly turn back to Him, seeking forgiveness and restoration. God welcomes us with open arms when we genuinely repent and seek a renewed relationship with Him.
• c. Genuine Service to God:Serving God is not merely a matter of religious rituals or outward appearances. True service involves a heartfelt commitment to God, a desire to obey Him, and a willingness to live according to His principles. We should examine our lives and ensure that our service to God is genuine and wholehearted.
• d. God’s Judgment and Distinctions:The verse implies that there will come a time when God will judge and distinguish between the righteous and the wicked. This reminds us of God’s sovereignty and His ultimate authority to judge all humanity. It should motivate us to live righteously and seek His approval rather than the approval of the world.

In summary:Malachi 3:18 highlights the themes of repentance, discernment, and genuine service to God. It calls us to examine our lives, align with God’s ways, and strive for spiritual discernment to distinguish between righteousness and wickedness. By returning to God and serving Him faithfully, we can experience His guidance and blessings in our lives.