The last prophet’s name is Malachi. And he had some pretty hard things to say. Because even after all the other prophets, even after the exile and the rebuilding of Jerusalem, God’s people were still turning their backs on God. They were not bringing the right animals into the temple for sacrifice (and the priests didn’t care about it). Men were divorcing their wives, marrying women who worshiped pagan gods, and then worshiping those gods too. They stole from God (by not giving him their tithe), treated the poor poorly, and refused to care for those in need (widows, orphans, and refugees). It was like nothing had changed in a hundred years! So Malachi warned that God’s day of judgment was coming. On that day, Malachi said, the wicked would be burned and become like ashes in a fireplace: “utter destruction” (Mal. 4:6). Sounds like the Snake Crusher will be crushing more than just Satan.

But the Snake Crusher is also a rescuer. And Malachi didn’t just have hard things to say. He also spoke about how the day of judgment would also be a day of salvation for those who trust in the Lord. He uses beautiful poetry to express this good news: “The sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall” (4:2). We should be like the righteous. They not only personally trusted in the Lord and obeyed his commands but also got together regularly to read the Bible and to remember how great God is. Blessings always follow those who follow the Lord!