unexpect ed the story of jesus in the prophets. unexpected holiness malachi 3:1-4

UNEXPECTED

THE STORY OF JESUS IN THE PROPHETS

UNEXPECTED HOLINESS

MALACHI 3:1-4

Q&A WITH GODGOD: “I have loved you.”• “How have you loved us?” (1:2)• “Why does he not accept our

offerings?” (2:14)• “How have we wearied him?”

(2:17)

THE QUESTION“How have we wearied him?” (2:17)•By pretending that evil is good•By challenging the justice of God

THE ANSWERMalachi 3:1•God will make his people ready.• The Lord will then come

unexpectedly.•But is that good news?

THE ANSWERMalachi 3:2• “Who can endure?”• Refiner’s fire, burning out

impuritiesSoft Soap vs. Fuller’s Lye/Nitre• The process involved cleaning,

bleaching, and beating the fibers to a consistent and desirable condition.

THE ANSWERMalachi 3:3-4•Who needs to be purified?• Christ comes with comfort for the

weak, and fire for the religious.• The unexpected holiness of God

targets those who think they are already holy.

THE RESULTJesus did come unexpectedly.The religious insiders did not fare very well.

Jesus will come unexpectedly again.What might we expect?Matthew 7:21 “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but the one who does the will of my Father who is in heaven.”

Q&A WITH GOD“How shall we return?” (3:7)• Stop robbing God.“How have we robbed him?” (3:8)•Keeping instead of giving•Doubting his unexpected holiness