This Sunday John concludes the series "Minor Prophets, Major Messages" with a message from Malachi.
The Israelites blamed God for the dire circumstances they still faced almost 100 years after their return from exile, but Malachi points out their own culpability and warns of coming judgement. However, he also prophesies the coming of a messenger who will prepare the way for "the sun of righteousness" with healing in its rays (Malachi 4).
His prophecies close the Old Testament and set the scene for the unfolding of God's great plan of salvation that we see in the Gospels.