1. He will sit as refiner and purifier (2:17-3:5)

The Israelites had wearied the Lord because they didn't think the Lord cared about justice. But the Lord would send his messenger to prepare the way for him to come and purify and refine the Levites. After he has done this, the Lord would find acceptable the offerings of his people. The Lord would put his people on trial and testify against their wickedness. This messenger is Jesus. He came to purify us of our sins that the Lord may find us righteous.

2. 'Return to me…' (3:6-12)

Even though the Lord's people were continually disobedient, the Lord did not destroy them. The Lord's mercy saved them. The Lord's mercy is eternal. He never changes. All he asked is that they repent and return to him. They could show their repentance with their tithes. We can show our repentance with what we offer to the Lord. When the Lord's people repent, the Lord blesses them abundantly.


Application: Lord, thank you for Jesus, whom you sent to refine and purify us. Help us repent and return to you.
One Word: Return to the Lord and he will return to us.