GOD SENT A MESSENGER TO OFFER HIS WEARY PEOPLE LIGHT AND HEALING DURING A TIME OF DARKNESS

• The windows of Heaven had been closed for 70 years of captivity, now new light, new hope.
• But history shows 400 years of darkness after Malachi!  Why? The people missed the revival.
• We are coming to an era of darkness in America, and God is not making up His jewels -

The furnaces is being prepared for the judgment of the chaff - what is it to YOU?

THE DAY OF THE LORD - MAL 3:1-4

The people were crying out for God to come and make right all the things that were wrong.

GOD SENT THE MESSAGE  - "BEHOLD, I WILL SEND MY MESSENGER, HE SHALL PREPARE THE WAY FOR ME." 1A

• In the days of fulfilment it was John the Baptist - rough rugged, ill-clothed - maybe Jesus People?
• "The LORD, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple" - Jesus did, and because of his gentleness many missed Him - then!
• But the next coming - "Who may abide?" v.2a, Men think they want Him but can YOU stand then?

"FOR HE IS LIKE A REFINER'S FIRE, SHALL SIT AS A REFINER AND PURIFIER OF SILVER AND GOLD" 2B,3

• The carnal Jews were mistaken, they looked for a temporal prince to lead them to prosperity.
• But instead He will come as a refining fire, to purify His own, and to purge those who aren't.
• Every man's work shall be tried by fire- I Cor 3:13, but more importantly, every man's soul!

WHEN THE LORD FINISHES HIS WORK, MEN WILL OFFER TO HIM RIGHTEOUSNESS, AND IT WILL BE A PLEASURE

• Those who are the Sons of God - refined - till refiner sees his face, dross gone, gold pure!
• Those who are not sons - burned up, coal for the burning - the fire that burns coal, cleans gold.
• Here is the big divider of men- v.5a "I will come near" - burning for some, cleansing for others.

The purest gold stands the hottest fire for cleansing, whitest garment the strongest soap.

ARE YOU DROSS FOR BURNING?  3:5-15

Whether we are coal or diamonds, very close, same basic element - formed differently - heat, pressure.

GOD WILL JUDGE THE DIFFERENCE, AND WE WILL BE JUDGED BY AN UNCHANGEABLE GOD!  V.5,6

• The Bible says God will be a swift witness against sorcerers (dope) and adulterers (New Morality)
• Liars, those who oppress others, and those who take away other's rights - sounds right up to date.
• The source of all sin - 5b - "and fear not me!" This is the big divider of men - do you fear God?

ANOTHER TEST GOD WILL USE IS OUR MANAGEMENT OF MATERIAL GOODS; WHAT WE DO WITH TITHE - V.7-12

• God accused the people of robbing Him 8a, they asked how - He answered - Tithes and Offerings!
• He said bring ALL the tithes - 10% first, then First Fruits - 1 2/3%, then third year tithe - 3 1/3% - 15%
• His Word plainly says - ye are cursed with a curse, or prove me and receive blessing - v.10,11

ANOTHER TEST GOD USES ON MEN IS IN REGARD TO THEIR OWN WORDS V.13-15 (MATT 12:37 BY WORDS JUSTIFIED)

• "Words hard against me" 13a-  They railed against God for not prospering them - much of this today.
• They had religious debating societies - much talk, little do - "word wearied" God - 2:17a
• V.15 they reversed meanings of words, so mocked God- Free Love, Freedom, Peace, Rights

Matt 12:37- by words justified or condemned - for most- both their words and themselves burned!

ARE YOU A DIAMOND FOR SHINING?  3:16-18

"Then" - while the ungodly are earning their hot fire of condemnation - some are doing otherwise

THEY THAT FEARED THE LORD SPAKE OFTEN ONE TO ANOTHER, AND THE LORD HEARD IT - V.16

• When the fires of religious strength burn low, the Christians draw close together - we need church.
• They feared the Lord!  Mark of a man of God - Fear means respect!  "Thought upon His name" - 16b
• The Lord knoweth them that are His!  And He remembers!  No matter how mixed up men might be-

THEY SHALL BE MINE IN THAT DAY WHEN I MAKE UP MY JEWELS - 17A - COULD YOU RECOGNIZE HIS JEWELS?

• Edward the 2nd looked at Cullinan - "If I saw it, I would have kicked it!" - But God knows!
• Diamonds and coal, both carbon, but one lets the light in, and when properly cut and polished- Sunburst!
• But the raw stone must be cut and polished - adversity used of God is fine sandpaper.

I WILL SPARE THEM AS A MAN SPARETH HIS OWN SON THAT SERVETH HIM - 17B - SAME FIRE THAT KILLS ALSO PURIFIES

• The world is set to become a real oven 4:1a and some are not ready - oh the torture - burning...
• Oh, to be a son of God is precious - Choose now!  To be serving Him makes life more precious!
• V.18a now would be a good time to return to God, and tell the difference!  Choose now the Lord.

When the day comes- it will be 4:1 burning, or 4:2 healing in His wings - Sun heals!

MAKE UP YOUR MIND, WILL YOU LET GOD TURN YOUR HEART BEFORE HE SMITES THE EARTH WITH CURSE?

• Do you fear God, think on His name?  It is Jesus - become His Jewel - accept Him-
• Do you love the Lord enough to serve Him?  Now is the time to get started!  There is work to be done.
• Maybe you are a diamond in the rough - let the Lord polish you up a little in adversity -

Better bear it now for the Lord for a season, or bear the burning for eternity!