Malachi 4:1-2a

“But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings.” vs 2a

Even though he was likely not the last of the Old Testament prophets, because of his message, Malachi does get the last word in the Hebrew scriptures. Deeply critical of temple practices after the exile he has two messages for the Jewish people. First, a day of destruction will come, the long anticipated Day of the Lord, and all evildoers will be burned like stubble after the harvest. But then comes an image of hope. In a description reminiscent of ancient Egyptian thought, he says that the sun of righteousness will rise, with healing in its wings, and God’s people will experience restoration. It’s a powerful poetic image and serves as a wonderful introduction to the New Testament of Jesus Christ, the One who is the Son of Righteousness. In his life and through his message he brought healing to our broken world, a healing that is continuing to this very day. How wonderful that the book of Malachi really wasn’t the last word for believers! Our last Word is Jesus, and he came with good news of great joy for all people. We’re in the process now of making plans for Thanksgiving, and of all the things we have to be thankful for, there is none more precious than the new life that is ours in him!

Thought for the Day: What does a sunrise mean for me?