“My Messenger” – 3/2/25

 

Malachi’s name means “My messenger,” or literally, “messenger of Yahweh.” This has caused some to wonder whether a man named Malachi actually existed or if this was someone who wrote God’s word but took a name that means “God’s messenger.” I believe Malachi was a real person, but regardless, I want us to consider the meaning behind the name and apply it to our lives (Rom. 15:4).

 

It’s crucial for us to focus on this, as this definition should be one that all Christians not only accept but also embrace. We are all called to be “God’s messengers.” This role should so permeate our lives that our daily work becomes a means of spreading God’s message. I recall a furniture store in Owensboro, KY, that had a sign which read, “Our work is to spread the gospel. We sell furniture to make money.” This is a powerful reminder for all Christians – our primary work is to spread the gospel!

 

A quick perusal of the New Testament shows that this needs to be our work and aim. Before Jesus left this earth, He wanted His apostles to go and preach the truth to “every creature” (Mk. 16:15). More specifically, they were to take this message to “Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth” (Acts 1:8). This challenge was accepted; and within one generation, the word has spread to “all the world” (Col. 1:6).

 

As we know, battles do not remain fought and victories do not stay won, especially in the spiritual realm. Therefore, another generation had to be prepared to preach God’s message. This is why men like Timothy, Titus, and others were taught and trained to take the message far and wide in their time following the apostles’ deaths. Timothy was told, “And the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men, who shall be able to teach others also” (II Tim. 2:2). This statement underscores the divine purpose that God’s word must continue to spread through the generations. In other words, many people will need to serve as God’s messengers if the word will continue through the ages.

 

The question remains: Will we take up the mantle and do the work God wants us to do? Will we be the “messengers” that carry the word to a lost and dying world, preparing others to do the same? “The messenger” must become the embodiment of the message. It does little good to spread a message that we are not first willing to obey! Let us make sure we are “doers of the word and not hearers only” (Jas. 1:22). Let us make sure we are a “doer of the work” (Jas. 1:25), continuing in what God wants done, while we faithfully proclaim it.

 

In so doing, we will follow in the footsteps of Noah, Moses, David, the many Old Testament prophets, Jesus (Acts 1:1), the apostles, and the faithful preachers and teachers in the New Testament. When we determine to be God’s messenger, we will follow in righteous footsteps and encourage a new generation to do the same (Matt. 5:14-16).

 

Malachi means “My messenger.” What does God call you?

 

– Jarrod M. Jacobs