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 continue with Malachi 4:1-6, focusing on an unassisted review of 4:2, the commentary's second division for the text. At any given time, all of us, including believers, have anxiety and stress. Of course, sometimes, we have overwhelming anxiety and stress. Here in Malachi, God's people were robbing God of both worship and of tithing - both commanded by God (although again the New Testament, while it no longer commands tithing, a lack of tithing reflects a heart condition where there is greater love of money and wealth over God and we are commanded to love God above all else). In light of rampant sin and wickedness that they saw as going unpunished by God, Israel saw worship and tithing as vain because they did not see God's justice - unnecessary worry! Believers of today may feel this way also - that God is not there or not working - of course this can be worrying. But God IS there and He is ALWAYS working in all things and for those who love and fear Him. Malachi 4:2 is an awesome promise of peace that we can experience now and for eternity. Take time to know God (read and study the Bible as the Word is God - see John 1:1-3). He is like no other and He saves! See also this post from June 2023 where I leverage John Piper's Solid Joys devotion that highlights the faith of Abraham. Of anyone who had a right to question whether God was there or working it was Abraham - yet Abraham, while of course not perfect, held firm to his faith and clung to the promise God made with Him. Cling to the promises of God!
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My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves us and who is always working and always with us. We can rest knowing this and that You keep all of Your promises. Thank You! I am not deserving of my salvation and for such peace. 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.
