May 21, 2023
Scripture Reading: Malachi 2:17-3:5
In this passage, Malachi goes far beyond his day, to both the first and second advents of Christ. The people seem to be wondering why the surrounding, idolatrous nations had prospered while the reconstituted Israel had not flourished.
They looked for justice to be meted out on the wicked and for Messiah to restore glory to Israel. Malachi prophesies that Messiah would, indeed, come … but it would be to bring a cleansing judgment to the people of Israel. Messiah would be like a refiner's fire to purify the sons of Levi (Mal 3:2,3).
This is a prophecy regarding the second coming of Christ to restore Israel to glory, yes, but also to purify its people. What is in view here is the time of great tribulation and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom.
God reveals the second coming of Christ for at least the following three reasons. First, the doctrine of the return of Christ produces comfort and hope. After writing about Christ's second coming Paul says, "Encourage one another with these words" (1 Thes 4:13-18).
Second, the doctrine of the return of Christ produces purity. ". . . we know that when he appears we shall be like him, because we shall see him as he is. And everyone who thus hopes in him purifies himself as he is pure" (1 Jn 3:2,3).
Third, the doctrine of the return of Christ increases our longing for the completion of our redemption. ". . . we ourselves, who have the firstfruits of the Spirit, groan inwardly as we wait eagerly for adoption as sons, the redemption of our bodies" (Rom 8:23).