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
The prayer of the day for this coming Sunday includes these words: “God, embrace us with your mercy that we may live through what is temporary without losing what is eternal.” God’s mercy directs our lives. In response, as recipients of God’s grace we humbly give thanks. Malachi, the prophet, contrasts the future destiny of the arrogant and evildoers with those who revere the name of the Lord. As those who honor God’s name, how good it makes us feel to hear this prophecy. How difficult it is to avoid the arrogance of the evildoers. The prophet invites us to humbly admit that we are flawed humans. We approach God looking for mercy in our lives. We look for the rebirth of forgiveness which renews our lives so that, even if we are old, we can feel young again. Some day we will “run around like a young child who cannot just walk, but always runs.”
Prayer
Gracious God, help us to be humble. May we always be grateful for the grace you give us that makes us free to serve you. Amen.