This is such an important Scripture for Advent. We are confronted with a promise that there will be a coming King who will be the one to create a new covenant. But it seems like this covenant holds a very serious weight, and brings a whirlwind of emotion and action.

So today I ask a question that has been asked for thousands of years and introduces the ‘reflecting’ and ‘looking forward’ tension of Advent: Are we ready?

[Malachi 3.1-4]

3.1 “Behold, I send my messenger, and he will prepare the way before me. And the Lord whom you seek will suddenly come to his temple; and the messenger of the covenant in whom you delight, behold, he is coming, says the Lord of hosts. 2 But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap. 3 He will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the sons of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, and they will bring offerings in righteousness to the Lord. 4 Then the offering of Judah and Jerusalem will be pleasing to the Lord as in the days of old and as in former years.

[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?

+ What is the significance that in the last book of the OT, there is mention of another covenant in v. 1?

+ What does the name ‘Malachi’ mean?

+ Is this prophecy fulfilled, yet to come, or both?

+ In what ways does this passage look backwards but continue to look forward?

+ Who has prepared the way for Christ’s first coming? Who is preparing the way for Christ’s second coming?

+ What does a refiner’s fire do? What does this mean to the Christian and in relation to our sanctification process we go through after God’s Spirit enters His temple, now being our body? [Read I Peter 1.6-9]

+ I am reminded of this question we find in Revelation 5: “Who is worthy to open the scroll and break its seals?”

[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?

+ Is there sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?

+ Is the Lord trying to refine any precious metal/material in my life? Am I opening up to it and allowing Him to have His way? And for what reason might He be doing this?

+ How am I paving the way for the coming King?

+ Am I ready?

[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?

+ What is my next step?

+ Who needs to be reminded of the patience and eagerness the Lord called His Israelites to and calls us to as we await His promises?

+ Are we ready?