05-05-25 part 1: God’s Love Letter Malachi, Messengers, and the Mystery of His Deep Affection

1. Malachi: The Final Word Before the Silence

Dr. Spoon introduces the book of Malachi as the last prophetic voice of the Old Testament—a divine bridge between the old covenant and the coming of Christ. Malachi means “my messenger,” and the structure of the book is unique: a disputational dialogue where God presents charges, the people question them, and He responds with truth. This literary form reveals a people struggling with spiritual apathy and distorted worship. Written after the rebuilding of the temple (likely between 450–430 BC), the book calls Israel back to covenant faithfulness. It’s a divine wake-up call before 400 years of prophetic silence.

2. God’s First Words: “I Have Loved You Deeply”

Dr. Spoon highlights the very first message God gives through Malachi: “I have loved you deeply.” This is not a casual statement. It’s a foundational truth. And yet the people respond with skepticism: “Really? How have You loved us?” Dr. Spoon powerfully challenges listeners not to measure God’s love by human standards or circumstances. The Lord’s love is deep, faithful, unchanging. It is not earned or lost by performance. If it were, we’d all be disqualified. The first thing God wants His people to know before the close of the Old Testament is not judgment—it’s His unwavering love.

3. Love That Corrects but Never Quits

God’s love isn’t blind—it’s holy. Dr. Spoon makes it clear that while God’s love is constant, it doesn’t mean He’s indifferent to our rebellion or compromise. He still calls His people to repentance, but not because He’s angry—because He loves too much to let them stay lost. Many Christians struggle with feeling unworthy or believe God’s love is tied to their spiritual performance. Dr. Spoon gently dismantles that lie. The depth of God’s love is proven in His pursuit of us even in our mess. His correction is a sign of His commitment—not His rejection.

4. Don’t Miss the Invitation to Forever

The final image Dr. Spoon offers is deeply personal and powerful. He invites listeners to picture God saying, “Let’s hang out forever.” That’s not just poetry—it’s theology. The Father’s love is greater than any human’s, even your own self-love. And He doesn’t just tolerate you—He desires you. The proper response to His love isn’t demanding proof or gifts—it’s surrender, relationship, and a desire to please Him. God’s love is not only for eternity—it’s for right now. If the first message of Malachi is “I love you,” then your first response should be, “I believe You.”