The Sun of Righteousness

Date: January 19, 2023

I use the BLESS method every morning for my devotional. 

B - Bible Verse
L - Listen for God's Word and pray
E - Explore the History and meaning
S - Study and savor
S - Summarize and Share

You can read more about it by going to: What is a Faith Journal?

Bible Scripture Verse – Malachi 4:2

"But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. And you will go out and leap like calves released from the stall."

Listen for God’s Voice

I ask that you open my eyes to the truth of your Word, and that you give me the strength and courage to follow the path of righteousness. I trust in your grace and love, and I pray that you will guide me in all things. In Jesus' name, Amen.

Explore History – Who wrote it, when and to what audience? Key people in the story?

Malachi was a prophet who lived in the 5th century BC and this book is considered one of the twelve minor prophet books in the Old Testament.  The audience is the Jewish people who had returned to Jerusalem from exile in Babylon. They were rebuilding their city and the Temple but they had become complacent and had lost sight of the commandments of God. Malachi is speaking as a messenger of God and is warning the people of the consequences of their unfaithfulness and telling them to return to God. But at the same time, he is encouraging them by reminding them of the promises of God and the coming of the “Sun of righteousness” who will bring healing and restoration to those that believe. 

Many people believe this verse is a prophesy of the coming of Jesus. The phrase "sun of righteousness" is interpreted as a reference to Jesus, who is often referred to as the "light of the world" in the New Testament. The imagery of the sun rising with healing in its wings is also seen as a reference to the healing and salvation that Jesus brings to those who believe in him. 

The phrase “You will go out and leap like calves released from the stall” is talking about the joy and freedom that comes from being in a good relationship with God. Malachi is encouraging the people to return to God. When we are in a relationship with God, we are no longer held captive by sin and guilt, but we’re free to live in the fullness of God’s grace and love. 

Study and Savor – Key Words

"Revere" - To revere means to show deep respect and honor for something or someone. In the context of Malachi 4:2, the verse is calling on the people to show deep respect and honor for God's name. This includes acknowledging God's power, holiness, and sovereignty, and living in obedience to His commands.

"Sun of righteousness" - This phrase is believed to be a reference to Jesus Christ, who is often referred to as the "light of the world" in the New Testament. The imagery of the sun rising is seen as a symbol of the coming of Jesus and the salvation and healing that he brings to those who believe in him.

"Healing" - Healing in this verse refers to the spiritual and physical restoration that God brings to those who revere His name. It implies the idea of being made whole, both physically and spiritually, and being freed from the effects of sin and brokenness.

"Calves released from the stall" - This phrase is a metaphor for the release from oppression and captivity. It represents the freedom and joy that comes with being in right relationship with God. The imagery of the calves emphasizes the idea of newness, innocence, and joy, which reflects the restoration and healing that God promises to bring to those who revere His name.

Summarize and Share

This verse is a powerful reminder of God's promise to bring healing and restoration to those who revere His name. It encourages us to show deep respect and honor for God, acknowledging His power, holiness, and sovereignty, and to live in obedience to His commands.

Let's take some time today to reflect on this verse and to consider how we can show deep respect and honor for God in our lives. Ask God to open our eyes to the truth of his Word and to give us the strength and courage to follow the path of righteousness. Trust in God's promises of healing and restoration, and let's have the faith of a calf released from the stall, ready to leap and run in the way God has called us to.

Bible Cross Reference

Isaiah 61:1-3 - This passage in Isaiah also talks about the coming of a "servant of the Lord" who will bring healing and salvation to the people. The imagery of the "sun of righteousness" and the "healing in its wings" is similar to the imagery in Malachi 4:2.

Matthew 3:2 - This verse in Matthew quotes Isaiah 40:3 and is talking about the coming of John the Baptist, who is preparing the way for Jesus. It relates to the idea of Jesus being the "Sun of righteousness" as it states that John the Baptist will come to prepare the way for the one "who will baptize with the Holy Spirit and fire."

Luke 1:78 - This verse in Luke is a prophecy of the coming of Jesus, which speaks of the dawning of a new day, of the rising of the "Dayspring" or "Sun of righteousness" and of the healing that will come through him.

Hebrews 1:8-9 - This passage in Hebrews quotes Psalm 45:6-7 and is talking about Jesus as the "Son of God." It relates to the idea of Jesus being the "Sun of righteousness" as it states that God has appointed Jesus as the ruler over all, and that he is far superior to the angels.