Malachi 4: Ending On Expectation

Is this the end?  Malachi 4 ends not with finality but rather an expectation that more is to come.

The last chapter of the Old Testament is a preview of coming attractions, a look ahead to see what God will continue to do in a history that has yet to be written.  Here is what we learn is coming:

• A day of calamity for evildoers, using the heavy metaphor of fire (vs. 1).

• Those who revere the Lord will see a new day, with healing (vs. 2).

• These righteous ones will be victorious and rule over the wicked (vs. 3).

• Before the day of judgment, Elijah will be tasked with a new mission from the Lord (vs. 5).

• This prophet will turn the hearts of families toward one another to prevent the land being struck with a curse (vs. 6).

So the Old Testament ends with an inhaled breath, an expectation that there is more to the story about to be told.  God is not done with His people or His creation yet.  In fact, some might say the story is just about getting ready to truly begin...