How can we connect Malachi 1:11 with the Great Commission in Matthew 28:19? Malachi’s Prophetic Vision of Worldwide Worship • Malachi 1:11: “For My name will be great among the nations, from where the sun rises to where it sets. In every place incense and pure offerings will be presented in My name, because My name will be great among the nations,” says the LORD of Hosts. • Key observations – “My name will be great among the nations” — a clear, literal promise of global glory for the Lord. – “From where the sun rises to where it sets” — an east-to-west, whole-earth scope. – “In every place” — worship is not confined to Jerusalem’s temple; God foresees pure offerings worldwide. – Spoken in the present tense (“will be”), underscoring certainty even before the promise was fulfilled. Jesus’ Commission: The Mission Launched • Matthew 28:19: “Therefore go and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father, and of the Son, and of the Holy Spirit.” • Key observations – “Go” — active, outward movement that matches Malachi’s global scope. – “All nations” — identical phraseology and intent to Malachi’s “among the nations.” – “Make disciples … baptizing … teaching” (v. 20) — the means by which God receives pure, acceptable worship (cf. 1 Peter 2:5). – Command rests on Christ’s authority (v. 18) and is sustained by His presence (v. 20). How the Prophecy and the Commission Fit Together • The promise creates the plan. – Malachi 1:11 declares what God will accomplish; Matthew 28:19 reveals how He will accomplish it—through His people proclaiming the gospel. • The “name” theme unites the two texts. – Malachi: “My name will be great.” – Matthew: “Baptizing them in the name.” – As the name of the Triune God is confessed worldwide, Malachi’s forecast is fulfilled. • Worldwide worship becomes a present reality. – Malachi foresaw “incense and pure offerings.” – In Christ, those offerings become the spiritual sacrifices of believers (Romans 12:1; Hebrews 13:15). – Every new disciple, from east to west, brings fragrant worship that validates Malachi’s words. • From prediction to participation. – The prophets looked forward (Isaiah 49:6; Psalm 22:27). – The apostles began to see it unfold (Acts 1:8; 13:47). – The church today continues the same story until Revelation 5:9 reaches completion. Practical Implications for Us Today • Confidence in evangelism – God Himself guarantees global success; our labor aligns with an unbreakable promise. • Motivation for missions – The glory of God’s name, not merely human need, drives the Great Commission. • Assurance amid opposition – Because Malachi 1:11 is certain, setbacks cannot overturn the end result—“My name will be great.” • Worship that fuels witness – Genuine adoration of God’s greatness naturally overflows into disciple-making, closing the circle between worship and mission. |
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