Brother Sparks emphasizes that the prophecies in Malachi highlight the importance of God's name being honored among the nations through pure offerings and true worship. He underscores that the covenant with Levi was rooted in life, peace, and reverence for God's holiness, which priests and Levites were called to uphold by maintaining knowledge and righteousness. The coming of the Lord, as foretold, involves a refining process—like fire and fuller's soap—to purify the sons of Levi, enabling them to offer offerings in righteousness. Brother Sparks stresses that the Old Testament Levitical system symbolizes spiritual realities, not merely external forms, and that today, all believers are called into a spiritual priesthood. The core of this calling is association with God in His work, which is rooted in His holiness—an attribute that must be reflected in our lives. He explains that the Levites' role was to mediate, intercede, and stand in holy association with God, representing the whole nation. Brother Sparks highlights that true service to God requires a heart undivided and holy, exemplified perfectly in Christ, the ultimate Levite. He warns against superficiality and emphasizes that God's jealousy for His holiness demands purity and undivided devotion, vital for His name to be great among the nations.
Malachi's prophecies emphasize God's name being honored worldwide through pure worship.
The covenant with Levi was based on life, peace, and reverence for God's holiness.
The coming of Christ involves refining and purification, enabling righteous offerings.
Old Testament Levitical ministry symbolizes spiritual realities applicable today to all believers.
Believers are called into a spiritual priesthood, emphasizing association with God in His work.
Holiness is central; service to God requires an undivided, holy heart.
Christ exemplifies the perfect Levitical priesthood—completely holy and devoted to God.
God's jealousy for His holiness calls for purity and undivided devotion among His people.
1 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.
4 And ye shall know that I have sent this commandment unto you, that my covenant might be with Levi, saith the LORD of hosts.
11 For from the rising of the sun even unto the going down of the same my name shall be great among the Gentiles; and in every place incense shall be offered unto my name, and a pure offering: for my name shall be great among the heathen, saith the LORD of hosts.