God’s Covenant with Abraham:

Jacob and Esau:

Genesis 25:22–23 – “Two nations are in your womb…

the older will serve the younger.”

Formation of Israel:

Exile and Return:

The First Dispute: “How Have You Loved Us?”

Malachi 1:1 – “A prophecy. The word of the Lord to Israel through Malachi.”

Malachi 1:2 – “‘I have loved you,’ says the Lord. But you ask, ‘How have you loved us?’”

God’s Response: A Historical Comparison

Verse 5 – “You will see it with your own eyes and say,

‘Great is the Lord—even beyond the borders of Israel!’”

2 Peter 3:9 – “The Lord… is patient… not wanting anyone to perish…”

Romans 8:29–30 – “For those God foreknew he also predestined…”

1. Revelation through Jesus

Ephesians 2:4–5 – “But because of his great love for us… it is by grace you have been saved.”

2. Power from the Holy Spirit

Acts 1:8 – “You will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you.”

Galatians 5:22–23 – “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace…”

2 Corinthians 10:3–4 – “The weapons we fight with… have divine power to demolish strongholds.”

3. Direct Access to God

Hebrews 10:19–22 – “We have confidence to enter the Most Holy Place… let us draw near to God…”

Key Takeaways

1. God’s Love Is Real, Even When Life Is Hard

Malachi 1:2 – “I have loved you,” says the Lord.

2. God’s Faithfulness Is Evident in History

3. Predestination Is Based on Foreknowledge, Not Fatalism

4. God’s Love Is Active Today Through Jesus and the Holy Spirit         

5. God’s Promises Are Personal and Transformational