What name has been revealed to each one of us in this lifetime?
"'For from the rising of the sun, even to its going down, my name shall be great among the Gentiles,' says the Lord of hosts." Malachi 1:11
When you hear the name "God" spoken, do you recall having heard this name before? The name of God is known throughout the world. Even in communist nations where they try to keep Bibles out of their country, His name has been revealed. In these countries, individuals meet in private to discuss, learn about, and come to know God. People are still risking their lives to learn about God.
While researching the time period for when Malachi was written, which the majority of scholars date from the first half of the fifth century B.C., I found it interesting to read about the author. I have decided to share this from the prologue of my Bible.
AUTHOR:
"The identity of the author of Malachi (Hebrew lit. "my messenger" or "my angel") is uncertain. The author's identity revolves around whether Malachi is a proper name or a common noun used as a title. The book offers no biographical information about the prophet. If the name of the prophet is unknown, Malachi would be the only "anonymous" book in the prophetic section. Tradition suggests that Malachi refers to Ezra the scribe. However, Ezra was never called a 'prophet' or 'messenger.' A fourth century A.D. Jewish writing conjectures that Malachi was the name of a prophet who might have been from a place called Sopha. After reviewing the evidence, the best conclusion is that the prophet named Malachi was the author of this book."
Interestingly enough, this is the one book in the Bible, out of 76 books included, where the author is uncertain and more so an educationed conclusion was made according to the evidence. And yet, the name Malachi means "my messenger" or "my angel." How very appropriate that this book would be called Malachi then, as he was definitely assigned by God to write this book. A true message or angel sent from above.
The Bible is not taught nor studied by the majority of Americans. Some 50 years ago, Pew Research Center study showed that 90% of Americans were Christians. However, as of 2020 that number was about 50% with the number shrinking by the decades. It's kind of hard to establish a relationship with a God that we definitely don't see, let alone read His word and instruction. The impact on our society is very evident with darkness trying to put out the light and pull people away from a Godly focus on good.
The origin or Old Testament was written for God's people the Jews. The Christians who formed the faith after the coming of Jesus and His resurrection were responsible for writing the New Testament, which is a part of the Christian Bible. Prayer is no longer allowed in schools. And fewer and fewer people are attending church.
It is important to stay encouraged and desire to learn and establish a relationship with God for goodness to shine strong in our lives. Just like pure white snow, God is good. Make the effort to get to know Him.
James 1: 16- 18
"Do not be deceived, my beloved brethren.
Every good gift and every perfect gift
is from above,
and comes down from the Father of lights,
with whom
there is no variation or shadow of turning.
Of His own will He brought us forth
by the word of truth,
that we might be
a kind of firstfruits of His creatures."
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