The Sun of Righteousness Will Rise With Healing in Its Wings

Malachi 4:2:  "But as for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings."

I find it ironic that I would read through this passage of scripture during the month of December, because the classic carol, Hark!  The Herald Angels Sing, has this very verse contained in one of its stanzas.  This carol was penned by the famous hymn writer, Charles Wesley (brother of John Wesley) and redacted by the great evangelist, George Whitefield . . . great men of faith who made significant contributions to the American and English revivalist movements of the eighteenth century.

As one reads through the book of Malachi, one quickly finds a strong admonishment by God toward the Israelites for attempting to defame the Name of God through their doubting His love, their offering blemished sacrifices, their breaking covenants with each other, their questioning God's justice, and their doubting whether serving God was worth it.

God warns the people that His name would not be profaned, but instead it would be exalted throughout the world.  He then shares a promise with the people that if they revered His name, He would be the "Sun of Righteousness that would bring healing in its wings."  The Lord would bring light and life to them and mend the troubles that they had faced, so that they might burst forth in strength and power much like a calf just released from a stall.  The Lord too exclaimed that He would bring victory to them over their enemies, so that they would be like "ashes under the soles of [their] feet."  Conversely, those who were rebellious and arrogant should expect to be consumed like stubble that is set on fire . . . completely consumed by its flames.

This is a good word for us, for as we sing the famous Christmas carol, we are reminded that God will bring to us the light of life and the blessedness of healing and victory over our formidable foes if we exalt His name, surrender to His will, and follow Him in obedience; otherwise, we should not expect the blessings of the "Son" of Righteousness.