The Sun of Righteousness
Scripture Reading — Malachi 4:1-2
“But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.”
—Malachi 4:2
The warm sun on your face and a fresh sea breeze—what can be more relaxing than a beach vacation?
But the sun does more than warm our skin. Without it, no life would be possible on earth. The sun gives energy. In one minute it provides enough power to supply the world’s energy needs for one year.
In the last chapter of the Old Testament the prophet Malachi talks about the rising of the “sun of righteousness.” This sun emits a huge amount of power. It grants healing, joy, and energy to all who revere the Lord’s name. The image of playful calves enjoying their freedom underscores the energizing power of this sun. But it doesn’t give cheer and comfort to everyone. For those who do evil “it will burn like a furnace.”
The New Testament calls Christ the rising sun from heaven. That’s why the Christian church has viewed Malachi’s words as a prophecy about Jesus. It is Jesus who gives us the joy of salvation and healing to our souls. It is Jesus who will preside over the final judgment against evildoers.
Much of Malachi’s ministry had to do with calling people to repentance. By God’s grace we still have an opportunity to repent of our sins and prepare for the rising of the sun of righteousness. Please, don’t miss it!
Our Father, we repent of our wrongdoings and trust Christ alone for our salvation. As your children, we look forward to the rising of your sun of righteousness. Amen.
About the author — Sergei Sosedkin
Sergei Sosedkin is the Russian-language ministry leader for ReFrame Ministries. He is a native of Moscow, Russia. As he oversees the Russian-language ministry, Sosedkin works from our office in Grand Rapids and in various locations in Russia.
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