Lord
The first verse of Malachi 3 (Malachi 3:1) is quoted of John the Baptist; (Matthew 11:10); (Mark 1:2); (Luke 7:27), but the second clause, "the Lord whom ye see," etc, is nowhere quoted in the New Testament The reason is obvious: in everything save the fact of Christ's first advent, the latter clause awaits fulfilment (Habakkuk 2:20). (Malachi 3:2-5) speak of judgment, not of grace. Malachi, in common with other Old Testament prophets, saw both advents of Messiah blended in one horizon, but did not see the separating interval described in Matthew 13 consequent upon the rejection of the King (Matthew 13:16); (Matthew 13:17). Still less was the Church-age in his vision; (Ephesians 3:3-6); (Colossians 1:25-27). "My messenger" (Malachi 3:1) is John the Baptist; the "messenger of the covenant" is Christ in both of His advents, but with especial reference to the events which are to follow His return.