Notice in what Malachi writes here that there is an undoubted reference to the first coming of the Lord Jesus when He was born a babe in Bethlehem's manger as well as to the Second Coming. First of all look at Malachi 3:1 It says 'Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me:' In Mark's Gospel chapter 1:3 that is referred directly to John the Baptist who prepared the way for the Lord when He was upon earth. But not only is there a reference to John the Baptist but the verse goes on 'and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the LORD of hosts.'
The Lord himself was going to appear upon the earth! He would appear in his temple. He would come to earth. And that is what we are thanking God for today. But then Malachi goes on to ask this question 'But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fullers' soap:' And there is also a reference to the Second Coming of Christ here. There is a warning that we need to heed |
