A MESSENGER TO APPEAR.
There is still another sign to mark the coming of the Messiah. The whole volume of sacred scripture gives proof that it will be manifest.
The Prophet Malachi, repeating the Lord's words to him concerning His coming in glory, says:
"Behold, I will send my messenger, and he shall prepare the way before me: and the Lord, whom ye seek, shall suddenly come to his temple, even the messenger of the covenant, whom ye delight in: behold, he shall come, saith the Lord of hosts." (Malachi 3: 1).
The following verse shows that this prophecy does not refer to Christ's first coming:
"But who may abide the day of his coming? and who shall stand when he appeareth? for he is like a refiner's fire, and like fuller's soap." (Malachi 3: 2).
It appears from this prediction of Malachi that the Lord will send a messenger to prepare the way for His second coming, as was done at the time of His first coming. It is reasonable to believe this, for it is in full harmony with the teachings of the scriptures. The Prophet Amos says:
"Surely the Lord God will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets." (Amos 3: 7).