Foreshadowing

DAILY READING

Malachi 3:1-4

FIELD NOTES

The Merriam-Webster dictionary defines “foreshadowing” as: “an indication of what is to come.” In this section of Malachi, we see another example of God speaking through the prophets to guide His people. The prophets foretell of disasters and calamities as a warning to a misguided people, however, they also tell of a great hope. The covenant between God and His people will be fulfilled in a Savior!  

The prophet Isaiah spoke of “Immanuel,” who will be born of a virgin, heal the sick and claim the throne of David. In these verses of Malachi, the conventional understanding by biblical scholars is that this “messenger” refers to John the Baptist whose ministry foretells of one “who is more powerful than I is coming after me; I am not worthy to carry his sandals” (see Matthew 3). 

During this season of Advent, it is helpful to consider the words of the Old Testament prophets who help foreshadow the coming of our Savior and build anticipation for the promises of God and His people!

QUESTIONS FOR THE FIELD

• Look for promises that God makes to His people in the Bible. How can you use these examples to help you wait?

FAMILY FIELD TALK

• The Jewish people were told that someone like Jesus would come. What would you do if you knew that Jesus was going to be born? How would you prepare?

PRAYER GUIDE

Dear God, help us to remember that when we celebrate the Birth of Christ, it is a promise fulfilled. We wait another week to celebrate Christmas, but God’s people waited far longer for Immanuel. Help us to feel the waiting. Amen.