To burn or bask

The Lord Almighty says, ‘The day is coming when all proud and evil people will burn like straw. On that day they will burn up, and there will be nothing left of them. But for you who obey me, my saving power will rise on you like the sun and bring healing like the sun’s rays. You will be as free and happy as calves let out of a stall. On that day when I act, you will overcome the wicked, and they will be like dust under your feet.’ (verses 1-3)

Read Malachi 4:1-6

God wasn’t very real to his people in Malachi’s day. For some leaders anything was good enough in the Temple service. ‘How tired we are of all this. It’s useless to serve God. What’s the use of doing what he says?’ (Malachi 3:14).

Those who tum up their noses at God (1:13) will be like a plant that burns up in the summer sun, roots and all. Those who look to the Lord will experience his presence like the sun’s light and warmth. They will jump about like calves released from their dark stalls.

Lord Jesus, forgive the times I have got slack in your service, doubting your loving purposes. Let my dependence on you feel like the pleasures of basking in the sun. Amen.

by Paul Lohe, in ‘Assurance for each Day’ (LCA, Openbook, 2004)

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