"Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire," says the Lord Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them. 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."
Malachi 4:1-2
The Best Day and the Worst Day
The day of the Lord is coming, the Last Day of time when Jesus will return. That day will be the best of days, and it will be the worst of days. All those who reject the Lord and go their own way will be punished. God describes his all-encompassing and awful judgment on all unbelievers as a furnace that totally consumes everything put into it.
But that day will also be the best of days. For those who revere the Lord's name–for those who love and trust in God as their Savior–it will be the greatest day ever because "the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings." If you've ever watched the sun rise over a wide open field, you can understand the picture. At first the dark eastern sky begins to turn grey and blue. Then a small disc of orange appears and rays of sunlight reach out like wings across the horizon. When the Lord comes for his believers on the Last Day, his wings will carry the healing righteousness won for us by his perfect life and sacrificial death. And what will come to light is his gift of life–eternal life in heaven with him for all who trust in him as their Savior.
So there will be great joy for Jesus' followers, "like calves released from the stall." Young, healthy animals that were penned all winter, run and jump for joy when they are released. That's what it will be like for believers on the Last Day. They will jump for joy on that great day because Jesus appears and releases them from the hold of the grave and the confinement of sin in this world. And Jesus clothes them in the purity of his righteousness so that they are fully confident to stand before the holy God without guilt or fear.
The Lord loves us so much right now that he comes to us in his word to give us the forgiveness of our sins and draw us to himself as his very own. So with joyful anticipation, we can watch for the Last Day when he appears. That will be the best day.
Prayer:
Dear heavenly Father, I confess that at times I have become so attached to this world that I have failed to look forward to the Last Day with joy. Continually assure me that my sins are forgiven and direct my attention to my Savior Jesus who brings healing in his wings. Amen.
This devotion was selected from the Daily Devotion archive.
All Scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984 by Biblica, Inc.™ Used by permission of Zondervan. All rights reserved worldwide.
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