This passage reminds us that the advent of the Messiah was prophesied in the Hebrew Scriptures. Malachi’s words seem to anticipate John the Baptist’s message of repentance in preparation for the Messiah’s coming. With the use of imagery like fire and fullers’ soap, the text compares repentance to practices of refining and purifying. Malachi calls the Hebrew people to purify their hearts so they will be pleasing to God once again. This text reminds us of how we are called to get ready for Jesus’ coming.