Sunday: The Prophecy of Turned Hearts
Compare the prediction of the coming of Elijah with New Testament references to this event. Mal. 4:5-6; Matt. 11:14-15; Matt. 17:10; Mark 6:15; Luke 1:17.
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In the days of Malachi, God’s appeal to the nation, “Return to Me, and I will return to you,” met with the arrogant response, “In what way shall we return?” (Mal. 3:7, NKJV). The frustrated prophet announced that one further opportunity for revival would be given. Recalling the heart-turning reform begun by Elijah (1 Kings 18:37), Malachi predicted his coming again to “turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers” (Mal. 4:6, NKJV).
A Jewish tradition developed that Elijah would appear personally as the herald of the Messiah (compare Matt. 17:10, Mark 6:15). However, the New Testament presents John the Baptist as a fulfillment of the prophecy (Matt. 11:14-15; Luke 1:17).
What do you think the phrase “turn the hearts” means?
Several applications are possible for these texts: It refers to the reconciliation of the people of Israel with the Lord. God as Father (Isa. 63:16) has turned from His wrath toward His children (Micah 7:18-19) and calls them to return to Him (Isa. 44:22, Mal. 3:7). It refers to the reconnecting of later generations with their faithful ancestors through covenant renewal. The prophetic call for God’s people to follow the faith of the patriarchs was given repeatedly in the Old Testament. Whether the land continued as a blessed dwelling place was directly related to covenant faithfulness (Deut. 4:29-31). It refers to the restoration and renewal of family relationships. Parentchild relationships are a practical expression of covenant faithfulness with God. Here, too, fulfillment of responsibilities to parents and children are interwoven with continued inheritance of the land and God’s blessing (Prov. 2:21).
| What is the connection between a restored relationship with God and restored relationships in our families? Why must one precede the other? |
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Back in the 1980s when I was working as a teacher in an Adventist High School, one of my extra jobs was to attend "Big Camp" and help out with running it. Because I was technically minded and knew how to connect wires together I was assigned the task of running the sound system in the main tent. I had to attend every meeting held in the main tent for over a week; every sermon, every worship, every Bible study. At that time, the main issue that was exercising the minds of the church folk was the investigative judgment and so naturally the topic was preached, dissected, argued and discussed at considerable length. The "big shot" preachers were there from the Division and Union conferences to ensure that we got everything right. It was a pretty tumultuous time for the church, and there were a number of other issues affecting our unity at the time.
One of the speakers was the Division Ministerial Secretary, who apart from being a good speaker, was an accomplished Biblical scholar. He delivered a number of studies during the week and was the appointed speaker for the last Sabbath of the camp meeting. Everyone expected him to give a stirring finale to the discussion on the Investigative Judgement. Instead, he took as his verse for his final sermon Malachi 4:6:
It was a change of direction that was most appropriate at the time. In all our discussion about doctrine, we had lost sight of one another and the relationships we have with our children. I have never forgotten his message that morning as he reminded us that our most important task is to build family relationships.
We are coming to the end of this study on family relationships and I think we need the reminder that this topic has been one of the most important sets of lessons we have had for a long time. It would be a sad reflection on us and our spirituality if we face the judgment day with a full understanding of the Investigative Judgement but without our children. Malachi got it right!
I enjoy reading your comments every morning, Maurice, and I thank you for them. They are always thoughtful and interesting. Today's commentary is of the usual standard.
The issue is not whether we have our doctrines all nicely understood or whether our family relationships are as God wants them to be. It is not that we have one or the other, but thank God we can have them both. As we get closer to the end we must understand God's plan for us personally and to share that with our family so that we are not deceived and we will all be welcoming Jesus at His return. May God help us more and more as that day approaches.
Me to my understanding God wants us to return to him with all our hearts and before we are back to him we should first have for families not only families but also our neighborhood in that we have returned our hearts to him ,coz if u love ur neighbour as u love ur self I don't think their would be any bad offenses that would be committed in our every day life. So in returning our hearts we have built a good relationship with our families and still creating covenant with God,