Note: In the previous lessons we studied prophesies about Jesus as priest, prophet, and king. This week we look at a prophesy about the preparation for his coming.
Adult PM Bible Study: L – E – V – E – L – Malachi 3: 16 – 4:5
L – Listening v. 16 God is always listening. In the moments when we pray in praise or in desperation God hears.
E – Eventuality vs. 17, 18 God does plan to reward the faithful in God’s time. Those who have been faithful will enjoy the uninterrupted attention and blessings of God.
V – Vengeance v. 4:1 God is love, yet in God’s love there is a place to avenge those who have dishonored God or disrespected God’s children. We must honor both.
E – Elijah vs. 4: 2-4 God knows just how unprepared we may be to meet God. For that reason, God send a forerunner to forewarn the multitudes that this is their final wake-up call. We need that wake-up call. We need to stop pressing the snooze button, when God calls.
L – Leniency v. 4:5-6 There is leniency and grace in God’s call. God would bless all who would honor God and respect God’s children. There is hope with God.
Exemplary story: I learned so much from watching craftsmen who were house builders when I worked in construction. The carpenter George was an old man, but he knew exactly how to make a level driveway. From scrap wood he constructed a “bull-float.” It looked like a modern floor sweeper. After the concrete was poured on the sloping drive, he carefully caressed the concrete with the float. Soon after the new homeowners had a level driveway that sloped upward to meet the garage. Elijah was a social leveler who made the pathway smooth for the Lord. We need to listen to the levelers who are preparing for the return of Christ today.
Sunday
Malachi 3: 16 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored his name.
Prayer: Almighty God, our Heavenly Father, we do honor you as our creator and Lord.
Thought for the day: The Heavenly Father is the father who knows best.
Monday
Malachi 3: 17 They will be mine, says the Lord Almighty, “in the day when I make up my treasure possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, we are so grateful that God has chosen to save all your followers.
Thought for the day: God would save all those who love the Son, Jesus.
Tuesday
Malachi 3:18 And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.
Prayer: Lord God, may we live in faith and obedience as we prepare to live with you in eternity.
Thought for the day: Every day is a day to prepare to meet God.
Wednesday
Malachi 4:1 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the Lord Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them.
Prayer: Almighty God, we give thanks for a faith that gives us hope in the time of judgment.
Thought for the day: Those who want their day in court are rarely the perpetrators of harm.
Thursday
Malachi 4: 2 But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall.
Prayer: Lord Jesus when we are heavy-hearted, the thought of your return lifts our spirits.
Thought for the day: Real joy can go on and on.
Friday
Malachi 4:3,4 then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things,” says the Lord Almighty. “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees, and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.
Prayer: Lord God, though the world groans with injustice, we believe your justice will prevail.
Thought for the day: Injustice may be a battle lost, but it shall not be a war that is won in eternity.
Saturday
Malachi 4: 5,6 See I will send you the prophet Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord comes. He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.
Prayer: Lord Jesus, Son of God, may you send your messengers to prepare us for eternity.
Thought for the day: It pays to read product warning labels early rather than late.
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