For he is like a refiner's fire and like fullers' soap; he will sit as a refiner and purifier of silver, and he will purify the descendants of Levi and refine them like gold and silver, until they present offerings to the LORD in righteousness.
This classic text from Malachi looks ahead to Christ's appearance in the Temple, both as a boy of about 12, and years later when he overturned vendors carts in the Temple courtyard. Levi is mentioned - the priestly tribe of Israel. Since we (members of the Church) are called "Priests", then surely it refers to us, the descendants of Levi.
Our role is to be priests in our communities. Think about that. What was the role of the priests? Well, they prayed for the community. In fact they spent a lot of time in prayer, maybe hours a day. They served others. They ensured that the Law was being followed (are we looking after widows, orphans, and aliens? Are we keeping ourselves morally pure?)
God knew that someone has to take on this role. We need a few people to be focused on caring for the congregation, as a full-time avocation. But what if we all accepted that charge?
The text talks about purifying us. Priests (we) must be spotless, or we must become so!
And it ends with a mention of presenting offerings. God wants those bringing forth offerings to Him, through the Temple, to be pure. We are missing out if there are blemishes on our moral spirit. The offering is not readily accepted by the Lord. Our blessing may be hindered.
We need to take it all very seriously. But at the same time, be very thankful to the God that is working so diligently on us!
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