Malachi 4:1-2a (NRSV)
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Chapter 4See, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble; the day that comes shall burn them up, says the Lord of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. Verse 2But for you who revere my name the sun of righteousness shall rise, with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.
Devotion
Malachi spoke a word of warning and a word of hope. The warning was to corrupt leadership and those who oppressed and rejected those on the margins. Hope was sent to those being rejected, ignored or abused by members of their own society.
Today we hear both these words. We know what it is to have suffered rejection of one kind or another, but each one of us has also caused our share of suffering. We stand both accused and comforted.
But the words of hope are clear. Even in the darkest times, God’s promise shines through that all will be healed, restored and redeemed. “The sun of righteousness will rise, with healing in its wings.”
Prayer
God of healing, shine your light on all who suffer. Enfold them in your wings. Amen.