The Faithful

The Faithful Few: God’s Treasured Possession Malachi 3:13–4:6

The book of Malachi opens with a confrontation—God calls out Israel’s unfaithfulness. Time and time again, they failed in their worship, marriages, and giving. They brought defiled sacrifices, abandoned their covenant commitments, and withheld their offerings. Yet, their most significant failure was a failure of the heart—they had lost their reverence for the Lord.

By the time we reach Malachi 3:13, Israel’s arrogance is undeniable: “You have said, ‘It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts?’” – Malachi 3:14

The people questioned God’s justice, complaining that the wicked prospered while their obedience went unnoticed. Their service had become transactional—expecting rewards for their faithfulness, and when those rewards didn’t come, their hearts grew cold.

But not everyone turned away. Amid Israel’s spiritual decline, a remnant remained—a group Scripture calls those who feared the Lord.

“Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. The Lord paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and esteemed his name.” – Malachi 3:16

While most of Israel had drifted from devotion, the faithful few remained steadfast. They feared the Lord, they encouraged one another, and they lived in reverence for His name.

And God noticed.

He listened to their words and wrote them in a book of remembrance—a symbol of divine acknowledgment. These were not perfect people, but they were faithful, and that faithfulness distinguished them in God’s eyes.

“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession.” – Malachi 3:17

In contrast to the arrogant who dismissed God’s authority, the faithful were called His treasured possession (segullah in Hebrew)—a term used in the Old Testament to describe the unique covenant relationship between God and His people (Exodus 19:5).

This declaration wasn’t just for them—it’s for us today. The faithful are still God’s treasure.

“For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble.” – Malachi 4:1

A day of reckoning is coming. The wicked, who seemed to prosper, will face ultimate justice. Like dry stubble in a fire, their power, success, and pride will be consumed entirely.

But for the faithful? A different reality awaits: “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings.” – Malachi 4:2

This is not just a promise of relief—it is a promise of restoration. The Sun of Righteousness is none other than Jesus Christ, the ultimate fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy. His coming brings healing, joy, and vindication for those who have remained faithful.

Just as a calf leaps in the freedom of an open field, so will the righteous rejoice in the freedom of God’s victory.

“Remember the law of my servant Moses… Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the Lord comes.” – Malachi 4:4–5

God’s final words in Malachi are both a call to remember and a call to prepare.

First, He calls His people to remember His law—to stay rooted in His commands and not be swayed by the culture around them. Then, He calls them to prepare for what is to come. Elijah was a forerunner, pointing to the coming of Christ. John the Baptist came in the spirit of Elijah to prepare the way for Jesus’ first coming. We await Christ’s second coming when He will bring complete restoration.

Malachi closes with a decision: Will you be counted among the unfaithful, or will you be one of the faithful few?

The world may dismiss the value of obedience, just as Israel did. People may question whether faithfulness is worth it. But Scripture is clear—God sees, remembers, and rewards the faithful.

The world seeks temporary gain; the faithful seek eternal treasure. The world follows the majority; the faithful stand firm even when they are the minority. The world will face judgment; the faithful will rejoice in Christ’s healing and restoration.

Ultimately, Jesus is the fulfillment of this passage. He is the perfectly faithful one who obeyed God in every way, securing salvation for all who trust in Him. Because of Christ, we can be counted among God’s treasured possessions.

“They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession.” – Malachi 3:17

May we live in reverence, holding fast to His promises, as we await the Sun of Righteousness, who will rise with healing in His wings.