Sun Of Righteousness

Sun of Righteousness

The prophet Malachi spoke of Jesus when he delivered a message from God, saying, “But for you who fear my name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings. And you will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture” (Malachi 4:2).

Malachi had just issued a warning that those who proudly resist God will be consumed by fire on the day of judgment. But he had a completely different message for those who humbly fear God, assuring his hearers of a completely different reality. For those who fear God, when Jesus comes, he will bring light where there was darkness, security where there was danger, health where there was sickness, freedom where there was bondage, and joy where there was gloom. Jesus will come into a world of chaos and injustice and set things right with beams of his glorious righteousness.

Surely this Sun of Righteousness, Jesus, flooded the world with healing. Matthew recorded that “people soon began bringing to [Jesus] all who were sick. And whatever their sickness or disease, or if they were demon possessed or epileptic or paralyzed—he healed them all” (Matthew 4:24). As Jesus healed the paralytics and those with fever and hemorrhaging and leprosy, he was showing that he has power not only to heal our bodies, but also to heal our souls from our sin-sickness.

And Jesus brought freedom. To everyone who was trapped by empty religiosity and life-depleting sin, Jesus offers a yoke that is easy and a burden that is light. This freedom is not temporary or merely a mirage. “If the Son sets you free, you are truly free” (John 8:36).

When the sun begins to shine with more intensity after a cold and wet winter, we turn our faces toward it, close our eyes, and welcome the rays of warmth that penetrate us to the core. How much more do we need the Sun of Righteousness to rise over us, shining his rays of healing and wholeness and joy, penetrating us to the core with the warmth of his presence!

Sun of Righteousness, how I need your light and warmth to penetrate the dark and cold places in my heart. I need your power to heal the broken places in my life. I need release from the bondage of searching for joy apart from you. Rise over me and in me. Set me free.