Malachi 4
-The prophet under the Spirit of prophecy gives a final
admonition here in chapter four. Pay attention! For the day is coming, burning
like a furnace, and no arrogant person or evil doer will survive. They will
burn like chaff by the day of the LORD that will set them ablaze! Neither root
nor branch will be left (Malachi 4:1). However, the ones who fear the LORD and
receive Him in faith as the sun of righteousness, (analogy to Light and
Illumination in Messiah Jesus) who will rise with healing in Its wings, and the
righteous will go forth and celebrate like a calf that is just learning how to
walk for the first time, skipping from the stall (Malachi 4:2)! The wicked are
promised to be tread down as ashes under foot by the LORD (Malachi 4:3). The
final instructions include remembering the Law of Moses, God’s servant, given
at Horeb for all of Israel (Malachi 4:4). Elijah is prophesied to be sent
before the coming of the great and terrible day of the LORD when He restores
the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to
their fathers for blessings rather than curses on the land (Malachi 4:5-6).
-*Application* The Bible makes it very clear to be ready and
alert for the coming tribulation and return of the Lord Jesus Christ (Matthew 24:2;
25:1-13, Mark 13:33-37). This day will be a reward for those who have received
the righteousness of Christ by their very faith in Him, but it will be a
devastating punishment and justice for those who rejected Christ in arrogance
and continuing in evil. If you have not done so already, please return to the
LORD in humble submission to His commands before it is too late. God’s desire
is to return the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the
children to their fathers with unity and mutual respect. His will is not to
smite the land with a curse, but healing.
Verses to Memorize:
Malachi 4:2, 5-6
No comments:
Post a Comment