Youtube Chapters

• [36:11] - When We Feel Overlooked
• [44:03] - God’s Book of Remembrance
• [48:08] - Treasured Possession: God’s Promise
• [52:32] - The Coming Day of the Lord
• [60:59] - Healing and Freedom for the Faithful
• [63:41] - Elijah, John the Baptist, and Advent
• [68:49] - Communion: The Cross and Our Assurance

Sermon Big Idea:

God never overlooks the proud defiance of the faithless,  nor does he overlook the quiet devotion of the faithful.

Sermon Overview:

As we opened the book of Malachi and study the last mini-argument from the prophet, we are confronted by the universal experience of feeling overlooked—by others, and sometimes even by God. Pastor Jason shows how the people in Malachi’s day wondered if serving God was worth it, especially when the arrogant seemed to prosper. Yet, God’s response is clear: He never overlooks the proud defiance of the faithless, nor the quiet devotion of the faithful. The faithful remnant, those who fear the Lord and honor His name, are His treasured possession. Their small acts of devotion are seen, remembered, and cherished by God, even when unnoticed by the world.

Malachi’s prophecy points us to the coming “Day of the Lord”—a day of judgment for the arrogant and healing for those who fear God. This theme, woven throughout Scripture, reminds us that God’s justice and mercy will ultimately prevail. The final day is both a warning and a promise: for the faithless, a call to repentance; for the faithful, assurance of God’s compassion and reward.

Through Christ, we see the fulfillment of these promises. Jesus took upon Himself the judgment we deserved, so that by faith, we are safeguarded from wrath and welcomed into joyful freedom. As we reflect on communion, we remember that the cross is the ultimate sign that we are not overlooked—God’s love has gone to the greatest lengths to claim us as His own. Let us live as His treasured people, with patient endurance, boldness, and gratitude, knowing that our faithfulness, however small, is never forgotten.

Key Takeaways

• 1. God Sees Every Act of Faithfulness: Even the smallest acts of devotion—prayer, kindness, or worship—are seen and remembered by God. In a world that often values only what is visible or grand, God treasures the quiet, steady faithfulness of His people. This truth invites us to persevere in the unseen and ordinary, trusting that nothing done for the Lord is ever wasted or overlooked. [46:41]
• 2. The Danger of Measuring by Earthly Standards: It is easy to envy those who seem to prosper without God, or to become discouraged when faithfulness appears unrewarded. But when we measure God’s attention or blessing by material success, we risk eroding our confidence in His justice and love. True reward is found in being known and cherished by God, not in outward circumstances. [42:04]
• 3. The Day of the Lord: Judgment and Healing: Scripture’s vision of the “Day of the Lord” is both sobering and hopeful. For the faithless, it is a day of reckoning; for the faithful, a day of healing and joyful freedom. This dual reality calls us to examine our hearts, to repent where needed, and to live with hope, knowing that God’s justice and mercy will have the final word. [52:32]
• 4. The Cross: Our Assurance of Acceptance: Through Jesus, the judgment we deserved has already been borne. The cross assures us that we are not overlooked, but deeply loved and accepted. This frees us from fear of condemnation and empowers us to live with gratitude, boldness, and a heart for others, especially as we await the final fulfillment of God’s promises. [68:49]