A LOVE THAT HEALS
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 (NLT)
This passage gives an interesting picture of the sun having wings. Odd for sure, but what does Malachi mean? In the ancient Near East, it was common to depict the sun’s rays as the wings of a bird and in the Scriptures, we see the imagery of a bird’s wings providing protection.
Malachi states that the healing brought to you by God’s love in that final judgment will be total and complete healing: physical, emotional and spiritual. That healing is provided by Jesus’ wounds (Isaiah 53:5), which will cause you to leap like a calf with plenty of room to run!
My grandfather raised cattle. I can honestly say I’ve never seen one jump, but I have seen them escape through the gates! When those gates open, they sprint towards a spot that in some way must appear heavenly to them. You can almost see them smile as they escape their fenced area. I think this is the freedom that God wants for you. He wants you to roam, asking what is possible. God’s presence provides the pathway for healing and freedom in your life.
Does following the commands of God feel like freedom to you, or do they feel burdensome? Ask God to help translate the freedom available through life in Christ to your heart today.
APPLICATION: While we await the rising of the Sun of Righteousness, God can still provide healing today, either by removing or redeeming your pain. Open your heart to the warmth of His love today and give Him access to restore the broken places and lead you into His joy.
PRAYER: Lord, You are my healer. Shine Your love into the places where I am wounded. Let Your presence bring healing, freedom and deep-rooted joy in my life. Amen.
“… Our Father in heaven…” Matthew 6:9b (NLT)
- What do You want to say to me today as my Father?
“… may Your name be kept holy.” Matthew 6:9c (NLT)
- What do You want to reveal to me about Your power today?
“May Your Kingdom come soon.” Matthew 6:10a (NLT)
- Help me make Your priorities my priorities today.
“Give us today the food we need,” Matthew 6:11 (NLT)
- Is there anything specific You want me to do with my time or the people I’m around today?
“and forgive us our sins, as we have forgiven those who sin against us” Matthew 6:12 (NLT)
- Reveal to me anyone I need to forgive or ask for forgiveness.
“And don’t let us yield to temptation…” Matthew 6:13a (NLT)
- Is there anywhere I’m vulnerable to temptation?