This reading is another great example of how God used the prophets of old to speak about the coming judgment. The timing of Malachi, the last book in the Old Testament, is after the exiles return from Babylon and the temple has been rebuilt. Malachi speaks of a messenger, believed to be John the Baptist, preparing the way for Jesus, and a second messenger to bring the new covenant.
The people must be getting a little lazy in their faith and allegiance. The priests weren’t leading the people into the knowledge of the one true God. God was sending a wake-up call through Malachi to get their attention. There would be a gap of several centuries between the Old and New Testaments, and it would be wise to pay attention to these prophetic words.
For our Advent reflections, we, too, can glean our own understanding of the message meant for us. Let’s focus on the refiner’s fire and how we are being prepared for Jesus. Malachi suggests that the people weren’t ready for the messenger when he says, “Who will be able to stand and face him when he appears?” Fearful are those who aren’t ready for Jesus.
Have you ever thought about what you would do if Jesus walked in and stood before you? What would you do at that moment? I’d be busy looking around at my mess, feeling like I could have done a better job of being ready. Then, I would remember how much Jesus loves me, my imperfect self, and fall at his feet. Take a moment to imagine Jesus sitting with you, talking to you, helping you in your hour of need.
The refiner does not destroy, but cleanses and makes pure something that was raw and unclean. Jesus does that for us, and we do not need to fear. He sees the beauty underneath all our filth and grime. The refining process is such a beautiful picture of how Jesus molds us into what he desires for us.
The refining process is not necessarily pleasant. Some might say that the trials and tribulations of life, which the LORD allows us to walk through are those “fires” that cleanse us and make us stronger. The good news for us is that Jesus walks with us and never leaves us alone.
Isaiah 43:2 offers a beautiful promise. “When you go through deep waters, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown. When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up; the flames will not consume you.”
When we are shined up and made pure by Jesus’ refining fire, then He can see Himself reflected in us. Without Jesus, we are lost, alone, and without hope.
Let’s pray. Lord, I come to you with joy and expectation for what you are about to do. Purify me so others will see you in me. I wait with expectation and hope for Jesus’ return. Thank you for my life and the gifts you have given me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
Thank you so much this devotional spoke to my heart so deeply that I’m going to share it with my brothers and sisters in Christ to help us to recognize the critical need for the Refiners fire‼️
Thank you, Terri, for sharing. I always love to hear when the Holy Spirit moves other people. I hope your community is blessed by this or any of the other Advent devotions. Merry Christmas!