A sermon based on Malachi 3:1-7b, Rev. J. Orlando Flahn 3:1-7b
We are using the Old Testament Lessons in the Lectionary for this year’s Advent Sermon Series. These prophets proclaim not only condemnation nor judgment but God’s hope of a future restoration through the coming of His promised Messiah. As we learn this Sunday, Malachi, the last prophet, proclaims a message filled with anticipation, expectation, and urgency. He points out that God would send Elijah, His messenger, to prepare the way for His Messiah. We see this promise clearly fulfilled in the work of John the Baptist more than 400 years after Malachi prophesied these words.
But then he quickly announces, “Be Ready, Israel. Here comes the Messiah, the Messenger of the Covenant, whom you desired.” This Messenger is none other than Jesus Christ Himself. He is both the Messenger of God’s eternal covenant and the Message itself. His life, death, burial, and resurrection give us the most incredible Christmas gift of forgiveness and eternal life! He is the Good News of our salvation! We have life in and through Him!
Malachi’s timely prophecy is filled with significant implications that inspire hope and expectations in Christ Jesus for a glorious future.
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