January 28
"But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts." -Malachi 4:2-3 (NRSV)
These last verses of the Old Testament are filled with hope. Regardless of how life looks now, God controls the future, and everything will be made right. We who have loved and served God look forward to a joyful celebration. This hope for the future and promise of healing becomes ours when we trust God with our lives. As the sun, by the rays of light and heat, revives, cheers, and fructifies the whole creation, giving, through God, light and life everywhere; so Jesus Christ, by the influences of his grace and Spirit, shall quicken, awaken, enlighten, warm, invigorate heal, purify, and refine every soul that believes in him, and, by his wings or rays, diffuse these blessings from one end of heaven to another; everywhere invigorating the seeds of righteousness, and withering and drying up the seeds of sin. The rays of this Sun are the truths of his Gospel, and the influences of his Spirit. God is like the healing warmth of the sun to those who love and obey him.
John the Baptist prophesied that with the coming of Jesus, the dawn was about to break with light for those in sin's darkness (Lk1:76-79). Isaiah 60:20 also tells us a time will come when no light will be needed in God's world, because God himself will be the light. God loves you perfectly and completely. Yet his love is a love of action by giving, guiding, and guarding. Yet He is always faithful and true to his promises! The prophet Malachi forms a unique bridge between the Old and New Testaments. You yourself are the recipient of this vital healing Word of God to his beloved people. Remember. Our Lord has chosen and formed you for his own purpose. Claim God's promise for your healing that Malachi offers today. Then embrace both your healing and the joy God offers you in this New Year!
Prayer: Lord, Heal me now with the light of your Son. Amen.
Meditation For The Day: Healing joy comes from God' son shine.
Brief Devotions For Busy Lives: Daily Winter Renewal Paperback – November 25, 2017, by Rev. Dr. Mary Johnson (Author)
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