This post is Day 23 in a series of studies about “Suddenly”. I strongly suggest you begin with the introduction to this study, please click here to read it.

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Suddenly – Day 23

For more than 2000 years now, the Kingdom of God on earth has been growing. People have been hearing about the Saviour, and telling others He is coming soon. But we are all still waiting. Many people are frustrated that Jesus has not yet returned as He said He would.

Malachi 3:1

I will send my messenger, who will prepare the way before me. Then suddenly the Lord you are seeking will come to His temple; the messenger of the covenant, whom you desire, will come, says the Lord Almighty.

The Thought

The short book from the prophet Malachi closes the Old Testament with the continuing promise that the Messiah will come. It had been many years and many generations since God had promised the people of Israel that there would be a Saviour. And just like most of us today when things don’t happen as quickly as we expect, we get fed up of waiting and sometimes lose our enthusiasm. Malachi’s message is to be patient. Because when Jesus does come He will be greater than all our expectations. And He was!

For more than two thousand years now, God’s kingdom on earth has been growing. People have been hearing about the Saviour, and telling the next generation that He is coming soon. But we are all still waiting. Many people across the world are frustrated that Jesus has not yet returned as He said He would. I will come back and take you to be with Me (John 14:3).

We are still waiting for the biggest “suddenly” the world will ever see. But during that waiting time God has been teaching us many things. He has been inspiring scientists, designers, mechanics and many other groups throughout the years so that in our day we have a world that can see what is happening anywhere else within minutes of the live event. The technology now exists so that should Jesus return to earth the world would know it very quickly!

Action

Read the short book of Malachi and ask yourself today what your reaction would be if you had been told by Jesus that today would be the day of His return to earth. Would you spend the day praying for others or praying for yourself? Do you think that day will be one of great repentance, or great rejoicing? Or both?

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