Daily Devotion: He is Coming Again Soon!

Scripture:
Malachi 3: 1-5

Main Verse:
Malachi 3: 2
But who can endure the day of his coming? Who can stand when he appears? For he will be like a refiner's fire or a launderer's soap.

Observation:
Malachi used two descriptions which show what the Lord will do to those who believe and do not believe in Him. Fire that is used to refine gold or silver is extremely hot, and no one would be able to withstand that kind of heat. When the Lord comes, the wicked will not be able to withstand the Lord's glory, and they will be consumed by the Lord's fire.  However, the Lord will purify all those who have believed in Him. He will be like a launderer's soap. We know what soap does. It cleanses, purifies, and whitens stained clothes. The Lord will be judge of all--living or dead--and He will condemn the wicked but purify those who have put their trust in Him.

Application:
Both the Old and New Testament give us revelations about how the Second Coming of the Lord will be like. The Bible also declares that no one knows about the appointed time of the Lord's Judgment Day: "But about that day or hour no one knows, not even the angels in heaven, nor the Son, but only the Father. Be on guard! Be alert ! You do not know when that time will come." (Mark 13: 32-33). As we wait for the Lord's return, what are we to do while we are here on earth? First, do not be afraid. The Lord has provided us a way to avoid his curse upon the wicked, and that is to acknowledge that we need the Jesus in our lives. Second, we need to let Him be the center of our lives so that He can purify us and prepare us when that glorious day of His Second Coming happens. Apart from the Lord, we can do nothing. The Lord is good and He shows compassion to all, but He is also just and will punish the wicked.

Prayer:
Most gracious Father, thank you for the sacrifice of your Son on the cross, for the salvation of all. I pray, Lord, that you may touch the hearts of those people who will heed your call to repentance, and that they will accept your Son as their Lord and put Christ in the center of their lives. May your grace be upon them and may they receive your mercy. In Jesus's name I pray. AMEN.