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An Elder Speaks
The Messiah Is Coming
By Ronald Thompkins
August 17, 2003
In the Book of Malachi, God promises a sin-sick Israel He
would send the Messiah to Judge them. Prior to The Messiah’s
coming would be the coming of The Messenger, John the Baptist
(Malachi 3:1). After the 400 year period wherein God did not
speak to this sinful nation, the prophecy was fulfilled with
the arrival of the son of the priest Zechariah and his wife
Elizabeth- John the Baptist. This Messenger’s message was as
plain and simple as God’s message is to the unsaved world
today- “Repent, the kingdom is at hand” (Matt. 3:2). Of all
the notoriety sometimes ascribed to John the Baptist by Man,
John himself best describes his biblical significance compared
to Christ, as the One who would come after him is greater than
he, John continued by adding he was not capable of carrying
His sandals (Matt 3:11).
Malachi made this very prophetic statement shortly after the
arrival of John The Baptist. And only six months after John’s
earthly message to the people of this age, He and Christ had
their divine encounter, which led to Christ’s baptism, and the
beginning of the Christian Dispensation. Christ’s words were a
two-edged sword: it was fire for those who were wicked
leaders, and purged the hearts of receptive priests and the
people. Except for the sorcerers, the people of Israel were
responsible for their social sins, which had run rampant
throughout Israel by the arrival of Christ
.Although hundreds of years had now passed, God also reminded
them He would keep His promise to send The Deliverer. Although
Israel had not kept their vows to God, He remained true to His
vows to them (Malachi 3:6). God’s love and patience with us
does not change, and although many years and opportunities may
pass by, time means nothing to God (2 Peter 3:8).
God’s love for us is without measurable. God pleaded with the
wicked Israel, just the same as He does with us today- if you
turn toward me, I will return toward you (Malachi 3:7). James
gave a similar admonition- if you draw near to God He will
draw near to you (James 4:8).
Let us not forget, Christ will not set foot on this earth
again. The Hebrew writer reminds us He is coming a second
time, for those who are waiting for Him (Hebrew 9:28).
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