Final Old Testament Lesson for 2010 - The Great and Dreadful Day

Outline for Lesson 48 – December 26, 2010 – Sherwood Hills Ward

Introduction:
Ask: What do you feel when you hear the words: Second Coming, or Last Days, or Signs of the Times?
Malachi 4:5 gives the title of today’s lesson – Great and Dreadful Day of the Lord.
Ask: How can it be both?
President Benson said “The Savior’s coming will be both glorious and terrible, depending on the spiritual condition of those who remain”
Today we explore prophecies that Zechariah and Malachi made about the last days and assess our preparation for the Second Coming

Background to Zechariah
Around 588 BC Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon had laid siege to Jerusalem, there had been a terrible famine, the temple, the walls to the city, and even the city had been destroyed
In 538 under King Cyrus of Persia, the Jews were allowed to return to Jerusalem and rebuild their temple. They were led by Zerubbabel and Joshua. The prophet was named Zechariah and in his writings, we have his preachings and his prophecies. The preachings were to motivate the Jews in rebuilding the temple and the prophecies dealt with the Second Coming.
Background to Malachi
Nothing is known about this prophet. His name was not used elsewhere in the Old Testament. He ministered in 460 BC when Judah was ruled by a Governor. Their was an atmosphere of religious indifference and moral laxity during his ministry.
Yet the message he gives in Malachi 4 is taught in each of the Standard Works (turning hearts of fathers to children and children to fathers) – Joseph Smith History, Luke, 3 Nephi 25 and D&C 2
Prophecies Fulfilled:
Mal 3:1 – Dual fulfillment – John the Baptist and Joseph Smith
Mal 4:5-6 – Prophet Elijah would return – (Kirtland Temple) – we should search out the names of our ancestors and perform ordinances for them
Prophecies Yet to Be Fulfilled:
Zech 10:6-8 – People of Ephriam will become mighty. The Lord will hiss or call for his people and gather them. (we can assist in the gathering by sharing the gospel)
Zech 12:2-3, 8-9 – A great war will be fought in & around Jerusalem; Lord will intervene and save the inhabitants (we should trust God to defend his people)
Zech 14:8 – Living waters will flow from the temple (Ezekiel 47:1)
Ask: How can we maintain hope when we hear of the prophecies of war, natural disasters, and widespread wickedness in the last days?
Prophecies that will be fulfilled when the Savior Comes:
Zech 14:3-4 – Savior will stand on Mound of Olives, it will be divided in half
Zech 12:10 – 13:6 - Jewish people will mourn because they have rejected Savior
Zech 13:2 – False idols, unclean spirits and false prophets will be destroyed
Zech 14:5 – Righteous will meet the Savior (Elder Eyring Quote about 14:7)
Zech 14:9 – Lord will be king of earth and rule during Millennium
Zech 14:12-13, Mal 3:13-18, 4:1-3 – Wicked will be destroyed & righteous spared
Ask: Why has Lord revealed these prophecies about the last days?
How can we prepare for the Second Coming? (President Benson Quote)
How does it help you to know that righteousness will eventually triumph over wickedness?
Malachi teaches about the blessings that come to those who pay tithes & offerings
Mal 3:8-12
Ask: How do people rob God?
What does it mean to pay a full tithe?
(Mal 3:10-12)
What blessings has the Lord promised us if we pay tithing?
How has the Lord blessed you?
Malachi prophesies of Elijah’s return to earth to restore the keys of the sealing power

Mal 4:4-6
How was this prophecy fulfilled?
How have you felt your heart turn to your ancestors as you have done family history work?
Seven Latter-day Appearances of the Savior Prophesied? Can you name them?

1. To Joseph Smith in the First Vision (Acts 3:19, 21)
2. In latter day temples (Mal 3:1)
3. In Valley of Adam-ondi-Ahman (D&C 116)
4. In Jerusalem during Armageddon (Ezekiel 38-39)
5. In New Jerusalem (Missouri) – 3 Nep 21:24-26
6. To righteous at time of Second Coming (Zech 14:5)
7. To the wicked (D&C 133:42-51)
When will the Second Coming Occur –
Wilford Woodruff – “I would live as if it were to be tomorrow, but I am still planting cherry trees.”
Conclusion:
Gratitude for teachings of the Old Testament and Excitement to Study with Families the New Testament
Guided by the Spirit in our study, we have been able to testify with Job, “I know that my redeemer liveth, and that he shall stand at the latter day upon the earth” (Job 19:25).