Malachi 4:1-4
1 Eternal One: “For behold the day of burning will come, smoldering like a furnace. The arrogant and the evil will be set ablaze like the worthless chaff of grain. Neither roots nor branch will remain. I, the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, promise this. 2 But for you, the ones who tremble at the sound of My name, a warm sun of righteousness will come forth with healing in its rays, and you will go out, springing from the stalls like calves in open pasture. 3 Then you will trample the criminal; your feet will make them ash on the day I am preparing. I, the Eternal, Commander of heavenly armies, promise this.
4 Remember the instructions which Moses, My faithful servant, received from Me at Mount Sinai and gave to all Israel. Remember its statutes and judgments.”
To whom does the world turn for salvation? A politician? A military strategist? A spiritual leader? A prophetic leader? An intelligent scholar? A shrewd businessman. A dead martyr? According to Scripture, salvation is found in the name of Jesus; there is salvation in no one else (Acts 4:12). He is the Creator of all things; the Living God! Therefore, every day we need to call upon the name of the LORD, because salvation is found in no other name.
Jesus brings supernatural power to his spiritual family. Whatever we face as believers and followers of Christ, we face it with the indwelling King of kings and the LORD of lords. No devil in hell can triumph over the sovereign Rule of Truth; Jesus is the Way, the Truth, and the Life for believers. If we love Jesus, we will follow his commands to make him LORD of our lives.
The unbelieving and unrepentant world must face the judgment of Creator God. He has warned us over and over again throughout Scripture that one day—the Day of the Lord—judgment will be poured out on this rebellious and sinful world. Therefore, humanity must repent and turn back to the Lord as our King. In our passage today, a warm sun of righteousness will come forth with healing in its rays for believers; we will leap around in the great JOY of our salvation! (v.2). Please do not put the weight of your hope in any other human person for salvation. That is idolatry; God will not tolerate it in the lives of believers nor unbelievers. Jesus is our Hope. Jesus is our Peace. Jesus is our Joy. Jesus is unfailing LOVE who comes to save humanity. O Come, O Come, Emmanuel!
Prayer: Lord, I am excited about your return; I am hungry for the rule of righteousness in this world. I look for your second coming each day, but I wait for your perfect timing. I am seeking to keep my mind, will, and emotions focused upon you. Thank you for sustaining and refreshing me. In Jesus’ name. Amen.