| “But who may abide the day of His coming and who shall stand when He appeareth, for He is like a refiner’s fire. And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness.” |
| —Malachi 3:2-3 |
Most musicians will recognize these famous verses as the source for the words from the Christmas section of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah. The alto soloist begins with an air, followed by the chorus. The words portray not a joyful expectation of the coming of the Redeemer, but one of fear: “Who can stand the scrutiny of His coming?”
Anticipating the first Advent of Christ meant allowing God to purify sinful hearts, especially those of the priestly tribe of Levi, who served night and day in the Temple. In some ways, it seems rather backwards that God would especially put His own Temple servants through the hard process of refining, until they were able to reveal the glowing image of their Lord and give to Him offerings acceptable to such a Great King.
It is reasonable for us to ask: “Does God expect the same of His servants who anticipate His Second Advent?” The sobering reality of this future Great Day comes to us in 1 Peter 4:17:
For it is time for judgment to begin with the family of God; and if it begins with us, what will the outcome be for those who do not obey the gospel of God?
Yes, just as God’s people looked forward to His first coming with joy and anxious anticipation, we too should watch and eagerly wait for His second coming with expectation and with joy.
But, we also must remember, that as it was when John the Baptist came shouting: “Prepare the way” for Jesus’ Galilean ministry, we must also prepare to meet Him with hearts purified by His written Word and purified by His work of sanctification. And, as with Anna the prophetess, who met the infant Jesus in the temple on the eighth day, we should be faithfully on watch, day after day, for His return.
As you hear the strains of Handel’s Messiah this Christmas, along with the joyful tidings and great joy, please also recall this sobering section about allowing God to refine you, so that you can offer to Him that which He deserves: offerings in righteousness.
