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 a commentary-assisted review of 4:2, the commentary's second division for the text. Title and excerpts from the commentary for this division:
- The Rising of the Sun and the Vindication for God’s People: "When the Lord comes, He will bring perfect, righteous judgment with Him similar to the rising of the sun. His appearance will be both a blessing and a curse." The use of "sun of righteousness" in this verse "is the only occurrence of in the entire Bible. It conveys images of the brilliant morning sun projecting rays and providing warmth and comfort to those privileged to find solace under it. Malachi reveals that the sun of righteousness will rise also “with healing in its wings.” In Malachi this sun is not an inanimate object, but a person. It is God Himself. It is the manifest presence of God....Malachi states the sun of righteousness will appear with healing in His garments; that is, His arrival will be associated with the healing and restoring of His people." This healing is both physical and spiritual - and the prophecy in this verse refers to Christ.
All of humanity needs both a physical and spiritual healing. We all decay and ultimately die. We also all sin and scripture shares how the wage of sin is death (see Romans 3:23, 1 John 1:8, and Romans 6:23). Those who fear God, confess their sin and accept Jesus as their Lord and Savior will be saved (Romans 10:10). Those who do not fear and accept God as Savior will be thrown into the lake of fire and condemned eternally. It is certainly not pleasant to know that there are some who will be condemned eternally - therefore God tells us in Jude 22-23 "to have mercy on those who doubt, snatching them from the fire." At the same time, believers can take great comfort in knowing how God will heal both physically and spiritually. My 16 year old son Dustin has Down Syndrome, is partially verbal, and on the lower end of function. I pray with him before he goes to bed and I tell him that I love him, as does his mom and his big brother. Most importantly, I tell him that Jesus loves him, more than I or anyone else ever will. While I used to worry about whether I would see Dustin in Heaven, based on readings (including here and here) over the past several years, I am confident that I will and this of course means Dustin will not have any cognitive disabilities (see Revelation 21:4) and our time together (eternity) in Heaven will be a joyous one indeed where we will gather with other friends and loved ones who will also be saved. This is certainly worthy of leaping for joy like calves from the stall.
Comment and discuss this post.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves me and who is full of incredible grace and compassion - particularly for those who fear You and accept You as Savior. Thank You Jesus for this grace and compassion, and for saving me - and for saving Dustin! I am not deserving of such blessings. 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.
