Joy at the Purifying Manger (Malachi 3:1-4) [Jay Thomas]

Our third Sunday of Advent brings us to Malachi 3:1-4. He is an Italian prophet.... see what I did there? Never mind. But seriously, Malachi is the last prophet in chronological order and he closes the Old Testament. It has been a 100 years since the exile ended. The walls of Jerusalem are back up and the temple has been rebuilt. Neither are like the original versions, but at least they are a back up. However, it is clear, the glory of God is not in residence. Why? Though it has been a century since Israel was in exile, they are just as enslaved as before. The sin has turned from paganism and license to religiosity and legalism, but the idolatry of their hearts is still very much alive. So, in this last word before 400 years of silence, God makes a promise. One day a messenger of His Word is going to show up, and before He blesses He must burn. That is a hard picture, but it is essential. The baby in the manger would be the holy and terrifying Purifier of Israel. And yet, He would take the purifying pain for us, in our place.