Light in darkness through turning away from sin. By Norberto Restrepo, Jr.
“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day of the LORD come; and he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children, and the hearts of children to their fathers, so that when I come I will not have to anathematize the land.” (Malachi 4,5.6:XNUMX)
Malachi means "my messenger". He prophesied that God would send his messengers to prepare for the coming of Jesus. This prophecy was fulfilled when Jesus first came. But it will be fulfilled again when he comes for the second time. Likewise, most of the classic Old Testament prophecies have an end-time fulfillment just before Judgment Day.1
The context in Malachi 3 suggests that these verses were fulfilled in the great Advent movement that proclaimed the first angel's message and the midnight cry of 1844.2 They were first fulfilled in the life and ministry of John the Baptist, who was called "to walk before him in holiness and righteousness" and "to give his people the knowledge of salvation through the forgiveness of their sins...to shine to those who are in darkness sit..." (Luke 1,75:79-1843). Just as John the Baptist fulfilled his call, so did the Advent believers in 1844-XNUMX and proclaimed the midnight cry. Likewise, we too have a message to live out and proclaim today.
“Today, just before Jesus returns in the clouds of heaven, God needs people to prepare a people for the great day of the Lord. A work like that of John is also in demand in these last times. The LORD sends messages to his people through chosen instruments. He wants everyone to heed his commands and warnings. The message that preceded Jesus' public ministry was: Repent, tax collectors and sinners! Repent, Pharisees and Sadducees, 'for the kingdom of heaven is at hand'. Our message is not: peace, peace, no danger! As people who believe that Jesus is coming soon, we have a clear message to bring: 'Get ready to meet your God!' (Amos 4,12:XNUMX)"3
May we arise and fulfill our calling!
1 HK LaRondelle, How to Understand the End-Time Prophecies of the Bible, P. 7.
2 Ellen G White, The Great Controversy, Chapter 22: “Prophecies Fulfilled.”
3 Ellen G White, SDA Bible Commentary, Vol. 4, p. 1184
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