Day 1"But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up with calves of the stall." (Mal. 4:2)
Scripture Reading: Malachi 4
We see the continuation of the theme of judgement in chapter four, speaking of Christ coming to set His kingdom up on earth. It speaks of burning of the wicked (vs. 1) but unto the righteous it speaks of their happiness (vss. 2, 3). It is difficult to understand completely, for in these six verses we see a hint of Christ's first coming to earth (Sun of righteousness) but also His second to judge and bring His kingdom to fruition.
The day cometh in which to one will be a day of terrible judgement, wrath, pain, and terror (Revelation 6:10-17). But on the other hand for they who wait upon the Lord, will rejoice (Rev. 6:10, 11; 19:1-16). This time is like it was when Israel fled Egypt. They were led by a pillar of fire through the Red Sea, but the Egyptians had a cloud which put them in darkness. Israel made it safely through the sea and rejoiced for the blessing, while at the same time the Egyptians were judged, and drowned in the sea (Exodus 14:10-31). Often times, what brings blessings to one, brings cursing to another. We pray for Christ's return for it means such blessings will come with His return, but also means great judgement also comes, even upon those whom today we are praying for that they may be saved. Deliverance for one means destruction for another. We will be blessed (vs. 2) but the wicked will be trodden down (vs. 3).
This is why we see the need today to be vigilant in praying. "Pray ye therefore the Lord of the harvest, that he will send forth labourers into his harvest" (Mt. 9:38). We also need to be going, for two of those labourers should be you and me.
Who will those be to whom God will bring judgement? The proud (vs. 1) those who refuse to seek after God, who believes they are right in their own selves. Those also that do wickedly, not only rejecting God in their pride, but working a work in their hearts and lives, which goes against all in which God is and stands for; righteousness, love, mercy, grace, etc. God says I will make them as stubble (vs. 1) and ashes under your feet (vs. 3).
What a day that will be when our precious Lord will come with healing in his wings (vs. 2). Reviving this old, sinful, dark, degraded world into a world likened to the Garden of Eden before sin entered.
The Old Testament ends with a note of sadness and God is silent for 400 years, but when he speaks (Mt. 1, Luke I and 2) what rejoicing, the answer has come, our Lord Jesus is born. We now look for Him again, may we be faithful unto that day of His return for his own. Are we ready for that day? "Even so, come, Lord Jesus" (Rev. 22:20).