S) "4 Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel."
Malachi 4:4 (NASB)
O) Despite the fact that the prose is instruction, this verse is really about God's nature, and the transition from the Old Covenant into the New Covenant. What makes this verse curious, is its placement in the chapter. In the passage just before this, Malachi described a judgment day, that almost sounds like the Final Judgment day. Because of that, it would almost seem like this verse, this instruction to obey the Law, would carry through to that Judgment day. But then after this verse, he closed by referring to the return of Elijah, and the role He would play (see also, Matthew 11:14). So, based on the paragraphs before and after this verse, it really seems like this admonition is really taking the people to the work of Christ. Malachi comes fairly late in the chronology, with many scholars placing it between the reconstruction of the temple and Nehemiah's return to rebuild the wall of Jerusalem. Still, that leaves more than 400 years before Christ would return, and bring with Him a New Covenant. In the meantime, certainly the remnant of the Jews were expected to obey the statutes and commands according to the Law. The judgment described may very well be the final Judgment Day, but I don't think the verse above is tied to that, so much as it seems to be directed until Elijah came.
A) This point cannot be underscored enough, that the obedience of the New Covenant is not "easier" than the Old Covenant. Jesus made Himself very clear, that the Pharisees were obeying the letter of the Mosaic Law, while still transgressing against God and people. Adultery was not physical, but a heart issue. Murder was not only an issue of life and death, but an issue of hatred. Leadership was not only about effecting the compliance of others, but about being a servant. On and on, Jesus showed that the condition of the heart was the issue, and not an external obedience to hundreds of laws. So, even though this verse may point to the end of the Mosaic Law (which could also refer to the first two paragraphs, in vv.1-6), it still points me to the higher standard, the law on my heart, that the Holy Spirit brought with the atoning sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
P) Father, Your holy standard is impossibly high. I could never reach it alone. Still, in Your grace, You knew that fully, and provided a way. Even with the mercy Your grace provides, You don't slack in Your standard. You still require holiness from me. You have a righteous judgment that will make no allowance for my sins, no matter how small. So, You also gave a propitiation for my sins. I confess that I still need that grace, I need new mercy every morning. Please continue to bring about maturity and growth in me, Father. I want to be an obedient citizen in Your Kingdom, working to honor my King. Help me to walk in obedience, not to laws that are penned, but obedient to love You with my whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and obedient to love others as myself. Help me to stay focused in every area of my life. In Jesus's name I pray. Amen.
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