Preparing for the return of Christ

Read Malachi 4.

The day of the LORD contains two aspects.  It will be a time of judgment followed by joy.  In this closing chapter of the Old Testament, we are told that the power and works of all evildoers will be destroyed.  Like a devastating fire, all the influence of those who rejected God will be reduced to nothing.

Then, joy will be the experience of those "who fear my name."  When Christ returns, His righteousness will shine everywhere as the noonday sun.  What follows is a word of encouragement and two admonitions.

1. Restoration is coming. (v.3)
The righteous and holy rule of Jesus from Jerusalem will result in a healing of the people and for the land.  So great will be the blessings of this time, the people will be jumping for joy.

2. Remember to obey God's word. (v.4)
In the meantime, those revere and respect the LORD are to know and put into practice His expectations of how to live.

3. Review the signs of His coming. (v.5)
Those who chose to ignore 17 books of the writing prophets miss more than 25% of God's word.  In addition, much of the New Testament provides hope and confidence in our faith with details of the future from Jesus, many statements in the Epistles, and the book of Revelation.  As a result, they live incomplete and unprepared lives.  

The Holy Spirit through Malachi prompted Judah to be on the lookout for one who would prepare the coming of Messiah.  "I will send you Elijah the prophet."

Preparing the First Coming:
Concerning the birth of John, the Baptist, an angel of the Lord appeared to his parents and declared, "...he will go before him in the spirit and power of Elijah...to make ready for the Lord a people prepared." (Luke 1:17)  Then, Jesus commented concerning John, the Baptist, "...and if you are willing to accept it, he is Elijah who is to come."  (Matthew 11:14)   However, Israel rejected Jesus, as a nation.  But the offer was there.

Preparing the Second Coming:
Some time after John, the Baptist had been beheaded, Jesus took Peter, James and John up on a mountain.  There the curtain of His humanity was pulled back so these three could see the Deity of Christ.  Appearing with Jesus in that moment was none other than Moses and Elijah.  The disciples asked about the statement in Malachi about Elijah.  Jesus responded, "Elijah does come, and he will restore all things."  Then, he referred back to what He previously stated in Matthew 11:14.

As the Great Tribulation moves toward its climax, in Revelation 11 two powerful witnesses come upon the scene.  They will preach for 1260 days.  When reading their characteristics, it is hard not to see the descriptions of Moses and Elijah.

Jesus said, "I will come again" (John 14:3).  His appearing will be visible, personal, and powerful as He returns to set up His earthly kingdom.  And, we "we reign with him for a thousand years" (Revelation 20:6).