How does Malachi 3:15 connect with Psalm 73 regarding the prosperity of the wicked? Setting the Scene: Voices Who Wonder Why • Scripture never hides the honest question: “Why do those who oppose God often seem to flourish?” • Both Malachi and Asaph (in Psalm 73) record God-fearing people who look at their society, shake their heads, and voice the same dilemma. • Their complaint is not unbelief; it is the struggle of believers who trust God’s justice yet momentarily cannot trace it. Malachi 3:15 – Judah’s Complaint in Brief “ ‘So now we call the arrogant blessed. Not only do evildoers prosper, but even when they test God, they escape.’ ” (Malachi 3:15) • “Arrogant” and “evildoers” are thriving, apparently unpunished. • The people of Judah cry, “They test God—and nothing happens!” • The verse captures a snapshot of discouragement right before God promises to make His distinction clear (vv. 16-18). Psalm 73 – Asaph’s Confession Echoing the Same Struggle “For I envied the arrogant when I saw the prosperity of the wicked.” (Psalm 73:3) “Behold, these are the wicked—always carefree, they increase their wealth.” (Psalm 73:12) • Asaph admits envy; outward success of the wicked made him doubt the value of holiness (vv. 13-14). • He wrestles until he “entered the sanctuary of God” and grasped their true end (vv. 16-17). • The psalm moves from confusion to worship, concluding, “But as for me, it is good to be near God” (v. 28). Shared Themes Linking the Two Passages • Same observation: the arrogant/wicked seem “blessed” (Malachi 3:15; Psalm 73:3, 12). • Same internal turmoil: righteous obedience feels “in vain” (Malachi 3:14; Psalm 73:13). • Same turning point: perspective changes when brought before God’s presence (Malachi 3:16; Psalm 73:17). • Same assurance: God will publicly separate the righteous from the wicked (Malachi 3:18; Psalm 73:18-20). God’s Ultimate Answer to the Apparent Prosperity of the Wicked 1. God allows a temporary testing ground • Job 21:7-13; Jeremiah 12:1-2 echo the pattern: wickedness may enjoy short-lived ease. 2. God keeps detailed records • Malachi 3:16, “a book of remembrance was written.” • Psalm 56:8, “You have collected all my tears.” 3. God appoints a sudden, certain reversal • Psalm 73:18-19, “You cast them down to destruction.” • Malachi 4:1, “all the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble.” 4. God rewards persevering faith • Malachi 3:17, “They will be Mine… I will spare them as a man spares his own son.” • Galatians 6:9, “at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Practical Takeaways for Today • Measure “blessing” by eternity’s scale, not today’s balance sheet. • Bring doubts into God’s presence; worship clarifies vision. • Trust God’s meticulous justice even when it seems delayed. • Stay faithful; the Lord distinguishes those who fear Him, and that distinction will soon be unmistakable. |
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