But who can endure the day of his coming, and who can stand when he appears? 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. (Malachi 3:2-3)

A messenger is coming who will prepare us. With the aid of the messenger we will be able to nagash - draw near, approach, attend - to God.

These verses of Malachi have traditionally been seen as referring to John the Baptist.

There are two Sundays left in Pentecost. This is the season for celebrating the gift of the Holy Spirit. We do not need to go to the river seeking a man wearing camel's hair.

The Holy Spirit is with us, ready to prepare us. How do we prepare? By asking, permitting, and receiving.

"He will purify." We cannot do it ourselves. But the Holy Spirit knows how.

And He shall purify the sons of Levi, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. (Messiah Lyrics)

You may listen to the chorus He Shall Purify performed by the Peabody Institute Symphony and Chorus.