Malachi 4:1-6
Wednesday, 22 December 2021
“But for you who obey me, my saving power will rise on you like the sun and bring healing like the sun's rays. You will be as free and happy as calves let out of a stall.”- Malachi 4:2 (GNT)
GOD who is almighty, hates the proud and wicked; but always assures the obedient of His saving power. The coming judgment on the wicked and God’s favour on those who fear Him is the theme of our reading. We cannot get God’s divine assurance of security without submitting to His word in obedience. God does not only assure His people of His saving power, He also wants His children to know how capable He is to empower them to overcome the wicked.
He is a God who remembers and recalls what He has done in the past, how He did them, to establish in the minds of His children that He is not just called GOD, but He is great and mighty in works! In Malachi 4:4, God draws the attention of His obedient children about the teachings, laws and commands He gave to Moses at Mount Sanai. This assures us that He is a God of remembrance and has everything it takes to support the security of His obedient children.
We are not only assured of God’s saving power, but his unconditional and unfailing love sustains our security in Him. Most often man tends to think he has all the answers and solutions to life’s problems, forgetting the fact that God’s word is incomparable and beyond human reasoning. God’s promises to us are “Yes and Amen” in Christ for His glory!—that is, for His children who trust and obey Him.
Yes- the earth is the Lord’s and its fullness thereof; the world and they that dwell therein! But God’s primary concern is about the welfare of his children; the wicked is like the chaff which the wind blows away. We, His children are the apple of His eye.
God’s message rings loud and clear to all whether or not one is happy to listen and embrace it – the Lord has given the wicked ample opportunity to listen and willingly accept the message of assurance and security in Him before the great day of regret. The Lord sends His message across with His prophets to His people well in advance so that they would repent (cf: Ezekiel 2:5 and 3:10-11). It is the choice of each one to decide to repent and turn to Him. It is the same today, ample opportunities are given to people to repent, through God’s Word and His servants.
Our human reasoning and ideologies are all limited; it is only God’s word that is supreme and unlimited. His assurance, saving power and authority are incomparable. Because the Lord searches hearts, examine minds and rewards those who seek Him earnestly- He has said in His word in Psalm 91:14-16. “I will save those who love me and will protect those who acknowledge me as LORD. When they call to me, I will answer them; when they are in trouble, I will be with them. I will rescue them and honor them. I will reward them with long life; I will save them." Would you today choose to trust Him so that “The Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings..” (v.2) for you?
Prayer: Lord Almighty, help me to trust in the authority and power of Your unfailing Word. May my trust in Your saving power bring me healing. Amen.