“But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall.”
(Malachi 4:2)

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This is one of the many promises found throughout the scriptures that proclaim and declare unto us the coming of the Lord Jesus Christ and salvation accomplished by HIM (2nd Peter 1:4). This promise is given to those that fear and reverence His name. We know the scriptures describe the ungodly as, having “no fear of God before their eyes” (Romans 3:18). However, those that are humbled by Almighty grace, do have a saving and loving knowledge of God in Christ Jesus and truly worship and confess that Jesus Christ is all and all (Colossians 3:11). Believers are described in Malschi 3:16, as those that speak of His Name and meditate upon His Name (John 12:41; 1st Timothy 4:15). Notice several blessings that are given in this scripture.

1) The Sun of Righteousness shall arise.

The Lord Jesus Christ is the very power and glory of the righteousness that every believer desires to be found in (Philippians 3:9; Jeremiah 23:5). It is only through the obedience of our Saviour unto death that fully answers to the demand of God’s Holy Law (Galatians 3:13; Isaiah 42:21). As there is but one Sun, so also there is but one Righteousness that justifies the ungodly, the Lord Jesus Christ (Romabs 4:3-8; Galatians 1:3-6; Revelation 22:2).

2) There is healing (salvation) in His wings (person).

Our Lord Jesus Christ is known as, Jehovah Rapha: the Lord that healeth thee (Exodus 15:26). Our Redeemer declared He was sent to heal the broken hearted (Luke 4:18). Pardon of our iniquities and the cleansing of our sins are only through His blood atonement (1st John 1:7; 1st John 4:10). With His stripes we are healed (Isaiah 53:4-6; Psalm 103:1-4).

3) You shall go forth (set at liberty).

Believers have been set free from spiritual death (John 8:32-36) and made new creatures in Christ (2nd Corinthians 5:17). Set at liberty to serve the Lord as a loving bond slave and given spiritual life to honor and worship (John 4:24).

4) Grow up as calves of the stall.

Every believer, upon whom the Sun of Righteousness shall arise, shall grow in grace and the knowledge of Christ (1st Peter 2:2). God has commanded that the Light should abundantly shine in us (2nd Corinthians 4:6). Believers are like the calves of the stall, that are lavishly fed (Psalm 23:1); comfortably housed (Psalm 46:1); regularly attended with much concern (Hebrews 13:5); and are assured of full growth (2nd Peter 3:18). Even so, the elect of God are blessed in Christ Jesus with every spiritual blessing and are assured of complete salvation (Ephesians 1:3; 1st Corinthians 1:30; Colossians 2:9-10)

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T. Harding