Judgment is coming—but so is healing, joy, and victory for those who fear the Lord’s name.
Key Verse:
“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and frolic like calves from the stall.” —Malachi 4:2 (NASB)
Background Context:
Malachi 4 is the closing chapter of the Old Testament and serves as both a warning and a promise. It speaks of the coming “day of the Lord”—a day of fire and judgment for the wicked, but of warmth, healing, and joy for the righteous. The chapter exhorts the people to remember the Law of Moses and foretells the coming of Elijah the prophet before the great and terrible day arrives.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
Final Admonition
1“For behold, the day is coming, burning like a furnace; and all the arrogant and every evildoer will be chaff; and the day that is coming will set them ablaze,” says the LORD of hosts, “so that it will leave them neither root nor branch.” 2“But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings; and you will go forth and skip about like calves from the stall. 3“You will tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day which I am preparing,” says the LORD of hosts.
4“Remember the law of Moses My servant, even the statutes and ordinances which I commanded him in Horeb for all Israel.
5“Behold, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD. 6“He will restore the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers, so that I will not come and smite the land with a curse.”
Reflection on Malachi 4:
God’s justice cannot be avoided. For the arrogant and wicked, the day of the Lord will be like a furnace, consuming all that is rebellious. But for those who fear God’s name, His coming is like the sunrise after a long, dark night—full of light, healing, and freedom.
The image of calves frolicking from the stall conveys unrestrained joy and new life. This is the promise for the faithful—not only healing, but complete restoration and delight in God’s presence.
God’s people are reminded to hold firmly to His Word and to stay anchored in His truth while they wait. The mention of Elijah prepares the way for John the Baptist, the forerunner of Christ, emphasizing that God’s redemptive plan has always been moving toward fulfillment in Jesus.
Application:
Are you living in reverent awe of God’s name? Do you long for His return with joy or shrink back in fear?
Let Malachi 4 motivate you to examine your life. Remember God’s Word, walk in His ways, and keep your eyes fixed on the hope of Christ’s return.
Rejoice! The Sun of Righteousness will rise.
Closing Prayer:
Lord, thank You for the hope we have in You. Though judgment is coming, You promise healing and joy for those who fear Your name. Help me to walk in obedience, to remember Your Word, and to live with expectation for the return of Jesus. Let my life shine with Your light until that great day. In Jesus’ name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you.
John Golda
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