Malachi 3:6-4:6: The Day of the Lord and the Return of Elijah

God confronts His people's unfaithfulness, "Will a man rob God?" He calls them to return, promising blessings. The book of Malachi closes with a final, stark warning of the "great and awesome day of the LORD," a day of judgment (fire) for the wicked and healing for the righteous. It ends with the prophecy of Elijah's return to turn the hearts of the fathers and children, a promise fulfilled in John the Baptist. The Rev. Mitchell Gowen, pastor of Our Savior Lutheran Church in Aiea, HI, joins the Rev. Dr. Phil Booe to study Malachi 3:6-4:6. To learn more about Our Savior, visit oursaviorhawaii.com.This Advent series begins by covering the last Old Testament prophet, Malachi, and then spends twelve episodes alternating between Old Testament prophecy and New Testament fulfillment, tracing God's promises from Isaiah to the birth of Christ. The series explores Emmanuel's promise, the Davidic King, John the Baptist as forerunner, and reaches its climax with the Nativity. The final episodes examine the Suffering Servant, the shadow of the cross in Christ's infancy, Isaiah's Messianic mission statement, and John's declaration that "the Word became flesh." Thy Strong Word, hosted by Rev. Dr. Phil Booe, pastor of St. John Lutheran Church of Luverne, MN, reveals the light of our salvation in Christ through study of God’s Word, breaking our darkness with His redeeming light. Each weekday, two pastors fix our eyes on Jesus by considering Holy Scripture, verse by verse, in order to be strengthened in the Word and be equipped to faithfully serve in our daily vocations. Submit comments or questions to: thystrongword@kfuo.org.