Scripture

But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? He will be like a refiner’s fire or a launderer’s soap.

Observation

The people of God weary Him with their words that call evil good, and ask, “Where is the God of justice?”

The Lord will send His messenger, and the Lord will come to the temple. Who can endure the day of His coming? He will be like a refiner’s fire. He will purify the priests so that they will bring their offerings to the Lord in righteousness.

The Lord will come in judgement to condemn all who do not fear the Lord.

Application

At Christmas, we celebrate the coming of the Lord Jesus into the world to bring salvation to all who trust in Him.

This reading remind us that the coming of the Lord implies judgement as much as salvation. If we need a Saviour, then that tells us we need salvation from something .

The coming of Jesus into the world removes all the grey areas and ambiguities in the law. We are on one side of the line or the other. In fact, Jesus spoke of this often, talking about sheep and goats, wheat and weeds, good fish and bad. A sorting will take place at the end, and people will be either in heaven or in Hell, in eternal Joy or eternal death.

The Christmas story is a happy event, and it calls us to worship our great and merciful God. We all need to put our lives into His hands, and commit ourselves to walking in His paths.

Prayer

Thank you Lord Jesus, for saving me from my sin. I pray that my family and friends who do not know you will turn to you and receive your salvation. Amen.