2021-11-19

Malachi 4:1-6

　　When those who live by their faith see around them the worldly success of the ungodly, and the lack of consequence on the wicked, they may begin to wonder if it is worthwhile to persevere in their walk with God. Paul wrote in 1 Corinthians 15:19: If only for this life we have hope in Christ, we are of all people most to be pitied.  Surely, the day is coming when every evildoer will pay for their actions (v.1-3). We know punishment awaits those who commit sins with no fear for God. Their end has been spelled out: they shall be cut down like a stubble and thrown into the fire with no hopes of being revived (v.1).  On the other hand, those who honor God will receive their reward of healing from their Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ. It was Jesus who was pierced for our transgressions and by His wound we are healed- Isaiah 52:5.  Let us encourage each other so that we will not grow weary,  and to press on to win the heavenly prize which God has called us in Christ Jesus.

　　Jesus, the sun of righteousness (v.2) shall also be to us our everlasting light- Isaiah 60:19. Jesus is like the sun, giving light to the world- whoever who follows Him will never walk in darkness but will have the light of life (John 8:12). Believers who were previously held in bondage of their sins are now free like calves released from the stall. Their frolicking leap will trample the wicked into ashes (v. 2-3). The day will come when believers will reign with Jesus in heaven, perhaps we will partake in expressing our approbation with a sense of justice at the condemnation of the wicked (1 Cor 6:2).

　　The Israelites were to recall the law given to them by God through Moses (v.4). They were to live according to it, holy and separated from the world. God would send them the prophet Elijah who could be seen as a fulfillment in John the Baptist (v.5). John the Baptist who ministered in the spirit and power of Elijah preached the message of repentance to the Israelites. The great and dreadful day of the Lord could also be referring to the end times when one of the two witnesses is thought to be Elijah (Rev. 11:3). Once again, the prophet Elijah will prophesy to turn the people to God (v.5-6).  As chosen people of God, who had been given the law, the Israelites ought to respond to the prophecy by encouraging and turning their heart to their new and old generations in order that they will keep their faith in God (v.6). Their failure to respond will lead to God’s punishment upon their land with a curse (v. 6). It is a sobering reminder to me that as a Christian, I have too been given “light” just as the Israelites have been given the law and prophecy, I will be held accountable for what I do with the knowledge given to me. But the one who does not know and does things deserving punishment will be beaten with few blows. From everyone who has been given much, much will be demanded; and from the one who has been entrusted with much, much more will be asked- Luke 12:48. May the Lord enable me to live up to all that have been entrusted to me for His glory! 　　　— Lai Yee Leong