KJV Malachi 4:2 “But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in His wings…”

NASB Malachi 4:2 “But for you who fear My name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings…”

Before the Spirit of God concludes the Old Testament, He provides us with a wonderful preview of the coming of Christ to this earth in His glory. When He came the first time in humility, He was the “Dayspring from on high” (Luke 1:78). But when He comes in majesty and glory, He will be the “Sun of Righteousness.” If the “dayspring” is the rising light in the east, that first hint of morning, the Sun is that same light in the full blaze of its glory and brilliance. Think of all that is suggested in this majestic title.

The Sureness of His Coming

Each morning, the sun rises. The combined wisdom and power of the nations cannot hinder it. It rises whether we are looking for it or are indifferent to it. Its coming is under the control of the God Who controls the universe. It rises inevitably and predictably. In the very same manner, the stratagems of Satan, the arrogance of the Beast, and the combined weaponry and power of the assembled nations will not be able to hinder His coming.

His return to this earth is guaranteed by the promise of God: “Ask of Me and I will give …” (Ps 2:8). God’s great program to head up all things in our Saviour (Eph 1:10) cannot be derailed. “He must reign!” 1 Cor 15:25).

Its Brightness

He will come in that day as the “Sun of Righteousness” in all the brightness and brilliance suggested by that metaphor. We are told elsewhere that He will destroy the Wicked One (the Beast) “with the brightness of His coming” (2 Thess 2:8). In that day, every eye shall see Him. It will not be a secret appearance available to only a select few. God will bring back His Son to vindicate Him in the eyes of the entire universe. “Every eye shall see Him” (Rev 1:7).

Its Righteousness

As the Sun of Righteousness, He will bring righteous rule to this sad earth. Kings, monarchs, dictators, and even presidents have appeared on the world stage with promises of equity and justice for all, only to quickly revert to cronyism and unrighteousness in their dealings. Every man in his best state is only fallen humanity. But this Ruler will embody righteousness and display it to all humanity.

He loves righteousness and hates iniquity; He will come to establish the righteous and to promote holiness in the earth.

Its Blessedness

This welcome sunrise will bring healing for all of earth’s ills. All the social problems with which politicians have wrestled will be resolved by this Wondrous Counselor. All the fruit of sin will find its righteous resolution in the rays of His healing ministry. Global warming, climate change, famine and pestilence, poverty and injustice, and crime and want will be no more.

In the present time, His spiritual blessings heal the souls of repentant sinners. In that day, He will heal the world by healing the basic problem which has thwarted every attempt to improve our society. He will write His law on the hearts of men and give them new hearts.

Though this title, Sun of Righteousness, relates to a future manifestation of the Lord Jesus Christ, we, His redeemed, know Him and can presently sing:

Sun of my soul, Thou Saviour dear,
It is not night if Thou be near;
O may no earthborn cloud arise,
To hide Thee from Thy servant’s eyes.

Consider

Think finally of the Lord, not now as the Dayspring from on high or as the Sun of Righteousness, but as the Bright and Morning Star. What is suggested by these metaphors?

Read the newest Gospel Story – Mr. Schwarzenegger, are you sure there’s nothing afterwards?