The Sudden Appearing Of Jesus.

THE SUDDEN APPEARING OF JSESUS.

Malachi 3:1-4, Malachi 4:5-6

The name Malachi means “My Messenger.”

We have another two messengers in MALACHI 3:1. Watch carefully, exhorts the LORD. First, I will send My messenger (cf. John 1:6-8), who will prepare the way for the One whom you are seeking. Then, says the LORD, "the Messenger of the Covenant in whom you delight will suddenly come to His temple" (MALACHI 3:1).

Jesus appeared in the Temple as a baby, without being noticed by many more than two people (cf. Luke 2:22). Then Jesus appeared in the Temple as a boy of twelve: He astonished all, yet still remained unrecognized (cf. Luke 2:47). Then as a man He appeared again and announced, much in keeping with the message of Malachi: ‘You have made my Father’s house into a den of thieves’ (cf. John 2:16). MALACHI 3:2 reaches beyond the incarnation of Jesus to His return. Judgment must begin, and no doubt has begun, at the house of God (cf. 1 Peter 4:17).

Yet Jesus first came to establish a new covenant, and to make the once for all, final, and satisfactory sacrifice for the sins of His people (cf. Hebrews 9:28). This is the ultimate ‘righteous offering’ (cf. MALACHI 3:3) to which all the sacrifices have always been pointing: the fulfilment of all the rites and ceremonies of the Old Testament era. The “sons of Levi” (MALACHI 3:3) stood as representatives of all Israel: and now the Lord creates a new worship and a new people and establishes a priesthood of all believers. Our offerings to God, whether in worship or giving, are acceptable to Him only when our worship is centred on our Lord Jesus Christ. This is a return to the worship of former times, to the “days of old” (MALACHI 3:4).

The coming of Elijah (MALACHI 4:5-6) is explained by Jesus as another reference to John the Baptist (Matthew 11:13-14; Matthew 17:10-13). This was also announced by Gabriel (Luke 1:16-17).

Notice that John the Baptist’s ministry is nothing without Jesus, and always points to Jesus. This is reflected in the song of his father, Zacharias (Luke 1:68-79). At the forefront of the old priest's mind was not first and foremost his own son, but the visitation of God to His people: a visitation which was about to occur in the Person of our Lord Jesus Christ.

The abiding question remains: how will we appear at the return of the Lord?