Where is the God of Justice?

 Read Malachi 3.

At the end of chapter two, the people expressed confusion about evil doers who seem to enjoy the blessings of God while they themselves do not.  But God had plainly presented their own unfaithfulness and their hypocrisy in even asking the question.  But they cried out further, "Where is the God of justice?"  Of all things people should not be asking for God's justice for themselves but mercy from the LORD.   God has an answer.

He is sending "my messenger and he will prepare the way before me."  Jesus quoted Malachi 3:1 and identified this messenger to be John, the Baptist (Matthew 11:10).  This was during Messiah's first coming.  The scene abruptly changes as the descriptions jump to His second coming.  Then, Jesus will "come to his Temple."  It was not His Temple the first time Jesus came.  This is another indication that the Temple in Jerusalem must be rebuilt.  Next, we learn that His coming will be as a Judge.

The first priority of the second coming of Christ to earth will be to establish holiness (Zechariah 14:20-21).  Two analogies of His purification are given.  That day will be like a refining fire is to precious metal and soap that cleanses.  Jesus will not come as a babe in a manager and the suffering Savior.  In that day, He will mete out His earthly justice, "who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears?" 

Who are these who will deserve God's justice?  (v.5)
-sorcerers
-adulterers
-liars
-oppressors of workers, widows and the fatherless
-the inhospitable
-those who do not fear the LORD

The purpose is to establish a holy culture in which Jesus will rule and reign over the world for a thousand years.  Note this judgment on earth should not be confused with either the Judgment Seat of Christ, which if for rewarding believers (2 Corinthians 5:10), or with the Great White Throne Judgment that will eternally send unbelievers into the Lake of Fire (Revelation 20:11-15). 

Another indictment follows as God accuses them of robbing Him.  He is poised to bless them.  But their failure to bring both their tithes and their offerings in support of the work of the ministry at the Temple brought more of God's discipline.

The closing of this chapter reminds us that this God of justice keeps careful individual records of all wrong doing also keeps the same records of those who are faithful to Him.  "For God is not unjust so as to overlook your work and the love that you have shown for his name in serving the saints, as you still do." (Hebrews 6:10)