Session 5 Handout: How Can We Return

The prophet Malachi ministered in perhaps the most difficult period of his nation's history--a time of waiting for God's promises to be fulfilled. Many people doubted that God cared or would act on their behalf. They had grown indifferent toward God and unfaithful in their covenant relationships with one another. The prophet's messages drew clear and compelling contrasts between God's faithfulness and Israel's unfaithfulness and God's love and Israel's apathy. As disciples of Jesus today, we still struggle with apathy and complacency in our walk with God. Yet through Malachi we are called to faithfulness and obedience because of who God is and what he has done.