Monday: Malachi 3:1
God will send a messenger to prepare the way. Making preparation is a critical part of living our legacy. At times the most important work we have to do as God’s people is the preparation – preparation for sharing the Good News.
- In what ways do you feel you are preparing the way for the “bigger things” God is doing? These things are more critical to living your legacy than many give credit.
Tuesday: Mark 1:1-11
John the Baptist was the one who prepared the way for Jesus. John’s baptism of Jesus began the earthly ministry of the Son of Man.
- Without John how would Jesus’ mission been different? If you don’t endure the prep work God has sent your way, who will miss out on God’s love? How will your legacy be different?
Wednesday: Malachi 3:2-3
The refining fire is a painful thing to bring out the best in us. Like a Marine going through boot camp, there is pain, but there is also strength. Making it through the refining allows us to strip away all the grime and sin that clings to us. Another way to say this is that this refining allows us to be free from sin.
- Why is this freedom from sin so critical to living our legacy?
Thursday: Malachi 3:4
Finally after the refining, God is willing to accept the offering. God sees what is offered as pleasing.
- Knowing this is the outcome, how does enduring God’s refining give you strength to make it through?
Friday: Malachi 3:5-6
God moves from verse 4 to 5 saying that NOW there will be judgment. After the refining. This speaks powerfully to God’s character. Judgment is reserved for after refinement, after redemption and after restoration. This is a clear example of the gracious God we serve. If you endure, you will be judged on the refinement rather than your unrefined state.
- How are you being refined today? How are you living into God’s legacy through purifying who you are?
Saturday: Malachi 3:16-18
This is God’s promise. As we have seen throughout this chapter if we are willing to endure the refining we are able to be pleasing to God. Today take some time to be in prayer for the strength to endure. And Praise God for reserving judgment until after the refining happens.