Advent: Peoples Questions – God’s Answers

From a sermon delivered on November 28, 2021

Malachi 2:17 – 3:7

Most of us here, those on Facebook and listening later on the radio know America has radically changed in the last 50 years. Sadly, America is no longer a “Christian nation” we are not guided by the principles of the Bible which Jesus demonstrated in His earthly ministry. Kingdom of Judah and Jerusalem in Malachi time was at best a shell of the Nation God called them to be. Malachi 2:17 – 3:6 speaks to them and us on this first Sunday of Advent 2021. A day of judgement is coming then and now! People ask questions and God answers. How have we wearied God? How can anyone endure the Lord’s coming?  How can a person or nation return to God?

How have we wearied God? Malachi 2:17

A journey away from God losing faith in God. Times were hard in Jerusalem ruins until Nehemiah first visit. The Jewish people playing no role in world events. Apathy toward God was the most prominent feeling among the people. A Justification of their attitudesabout God. Priest are wearied by worship. Priest led people

Who can endure the Lord’s coming? Malachi 3:1-4

Send a messenger to prepare the way. Sudden appearance of the Lord you seek, the longed-for hope for the destressed people of God. Judgement is for the purpose of cleansing and purification not destruction. Sent to purify and clean as the refiner’s fire and launders soap.  

How can a person and a nation return to God? Malachi 3:5-6

Draw near we think God is far off. Pause, and discover God is very close. Draw for judgement. Lord will be both judge and witness. Don’t doubt the LordHe is unchangeable. Lord is always the same. Evil will be punished. The Lord’s judgments are acts of mercy with the purpose of saving and blessing. Judgement and mercy, threats and promises, cleansing and blessing all are expressions of the Lord’s blessings and love.

Humanities hope, your hope, my hope rests in the grace and mercy of God. Love and grace of God is the only verifiable source of eternal life. Christmas is our yearly reminder of God’s presence. God answers mankind’s questions concerning evil by showing up in our broken world.  The Advent wreath will remind us each week of God’s love for us. God’s desire to redeem each person. Share the hope that can only be found in the Christ of Christmas. It’s not a holiday. It’s a Holy Day.