Day 93 – Wednesday, 1st October 2025

Dr. John W. Mulinde
Sep 30
2 min read

Today’s Reading: Malachi 1–4 & Matthew 1–6

Theme: From Prophecy to Fulfilment — The King Has Come

Introduction

Today’s reading is a monumental turning point in the story of redemption. Malachi, the final prophet of the Old Testament, calls Israel to repentance, warns against empty religion, and promises the coming “Messenger” who will prepare the way for the Lord. After 400 years of prophetic silence, Matthew opens the New Testament with the fulfilment of those promises — Jesus, the long-awaited Messiah, enters history. The story transitions from prophetic anticipation to divine fulfilment.

Devotional Message

1. God Confronts Spiritual Apathy (Malachi 1–4)

Malachi reveals God’s deep displeasure with Israel’s complacency. The priests had despised His name, the people had offered blemished sacrifices, and covenant faithfulness was neglected. Yet, even in His rebuke, God promises a coming day when the “Sun of Righteousness” will rise with healing (Malachi 4:2).

🔑 Lesson: God does not tolerate half-hearted worship. He desires sincerity, honour, and wholehearted devotion.

2. God Fulfils His Promise in Christ (Matthew 1–2)

The genealogy and birth of Jesus prove God’s covenant faithfulness — from Abraham through David to the Messiah. The virgin birth, the visit of the Magi, and the flight to Egypt all fulfil ancient prophecies. God’s plan has never failed; His timing is perfect.

🔑 Lesson: Every promise God makes will come to pass — even if it seems delayed.

3. The Kingdom Breaks In (Matthew 3–6)

John the Baptist, the messenger foretold in Malachi, prepares the way for Jesus with a call to repentance. Jesus is baptized, overcomes temptation, and begins His ministry proclaiming, “Repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near!” In the Sermon on the Mount, He reveals the heart of the kingdom — righteousness that exceeds mere outward law-keeping.

🔑 Lesson: God’s kingdom transforms the heart, not just behaviour. True righteousness flows from an intimate relationship with Him.

Golden Nugget

“The God who promised is faithful — from Malachi’s prophecy to Matthew’s fulfilment, His Word stands unshaken. Trust Him to finish what He has begun in you.”

Prayer

Father, thank You for being faithful to Your promises. Stir my heart from complacency and make my worship pure. As I walk in the light of Your kingdom, let my life reflect the righteousness of Christ. Fulfill Your purposes in me as You fulfilled them in Christ. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Activation Challenge

Reflect: Are there areas in your life where your devotion has grown cold? Return to wholehearted worship.
Respond: Write down one promise of God you’re still waiting for and declare it in faith today.
Renew: Live out one principle from the Sermon on the Mount this week.