But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. Malachi 4:2
I continue my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi. My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I start a focus on an unassisted review of Malachi 4:1-6. Here, the message from Malachi builds on God's warning for those who do not fear Him (see post yesterday). V1 describes this ominous warning: "the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch." For those who fear God, vv2-3 offers hope and also shares how they will see justice for the wicked. We can take comfort that God knows all of our deeds, including our sin and the sin of those evildoers and wicked people who do not fear God. We may feel that we languish in obscurity, faithfully straining to be obedient to God's Word and to fear, love and please Him. Yet God sees our faithfulness while also seeing wickedness - believers will be rewarded and the evildoers and wicked will suffer in eternal damnation (Hell). V4 reminds us to hold fast to God's Word and for obedience to His Word. See also Hebrews 12:1-2. Vv5-6 shares how God will send Elijah before Judgement Day and how there will be an opportunity to repent and turn to the Lord before final judgement is rendered. Believers hold fast to the faith!
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who reigns and sees all - including my sin, my obedience, and the sin of the wicked and those who do not fear You. You have saved me from eternal destruction and You will deliver justice perfectly. Thank You Jesus for my salvation. I am not deserving of how You save. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
