Verse of the Day 8/23

Through the Bible - Psalms 113-115, 2 Corinthians 2

 

One of the great benefits in knowing God is getting to know Him and His Word.  His Word then comes to us in times of need, in times of joy, in times of despair, and in times of hope.  In the Lord we can be Revived,Refreshed, Restored, and Renewed.  (Can you think of other "Re" words that would apply).

 

As you can tell, the experience of healing in Jason continues to be in my mind and will be for some time.  One verse that came to mind in regards to healing comes from Malachi chapter 4, the last chapter of the Old Testament which came before 400 years of silence before John the Baptist came, followed by Jesus.  It is probably best known for the words of hope that He would turn the hearts of the fathers to their children and the hearts of the children to their fathers.  But before doing that we read of hope in the form of healing in verse 2 which will serve as today's verse.

 

Malachi 4:2 English Standard Version (ESV) ²But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall.

 

There are several things in the verse that draw our attention.  It speaks of the "sun of righteousness".  After having a dark cloud over us, following us, the sight of the Saviour coming is like the sun breaking through the clouds with its light bringing refreshing feelings of warmth,and joy.

 

We must also realizing that this healing is not just physical.  It is emotional, physical, and spiritual.   Everyone needs healing of some kind.

 

John MacArthur writes of the "calves leaping from the stall" - "Calves when confined to a stall for extended periods of time, leap for sheer joy when turned loose into the sunlight.  The picture is a joyful, vigorous, and carefree life."

 

We all desire this "carefree" life.  It is our hope, perhaps our hearts desire.  We may never experience it here in this life, but for those who are His and have been called according to His purpose (Rom.8:28), can can look to a day when we will see Jesus, when He will bring healing and along with it, joy and peace which will last for eternity.  Having these thoughts can help us as we wait, for healing and for that day.  Everyone needs healing, needs compassion, needs love, and needs salvation.  Thankfully, our God is mighty to save, and mighty in love and compassion.  Read or sing the words to "Mighty to Save" from Hillsong.

 

Everyone needs compassion, love that's never failing
Let mercy fall on me
Everyone needs forgiveness, the kindness of a Savior
The hope of nations

Savior, He can move the mountains
My God is mighty to save, he is mighty to save

 

In Christ,

Mike

 

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Eph 1:7 In him we have redemption through his blood, the forgiveness of sins, in accordance with the riches of God's grace  NIV

Malachi 4

English Standard Version (ESV)

The Great Day of the LORD

 ¹ "For behold, the day is coming, burning like an oven, when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble. The day that is coming shall set them ablaze, says the LORD of hosts, so that it will leave them neither root nor branch. ²But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. ³And you shall tread down the wicked, for they will be ashes under the soles of your feet, on the day when I act, says the LORD of hosts.

 ⁴ "Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.

 ⁵ "Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome day of the LORD comes. ⁶And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers, lest I come and strike the land with a decree of utter destruction."