Malachi 4, 2 Peter 2

Friday, Nov. 24, 2007 – Brandon Hatmaker

(Malachi 4)

In the final chapter of the final book of the Old Testament, Malachi offers two indictments and their punishment: He tells us there was a day coming in which the (1) arrogant and (2) every evildoer will be stubble that eventually will be burned. Through Christ, God makes available to us forgiveness for our arrogance and evildoing, but it still exists in our life in various forms. And more so, it is still opposite of the ways of God. Scripture says that we have been released from the eternal consequence of our sin, we have been given everything we need through the spirit to live a life of holiness, now we must make effort to do so.

The word arrogant used in Malachi 4, comes from a Hebrew word that translates directly as the “proud”. It’s root has a focus on action more than the state of being meaning to “be insolent or deal with proudly”. The soul heart of this scripture relates to how we relate with others. With that in mind, here’s a question: In what ways are we arrogant? Scripture teaches clearly that we are to be humble in spirit, considering others more highly than ourselves, to be gentle with one another, and to love as Christ loved us. Malachi doesn’t give us a topic of discussion in which we must not be proud about, just a method. We need to fill in the blank.

Another quick thought on Chapter 4. The very next verse (vs2) says, “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.”

I grew up in western Colorado. We had horses and I got to see a handful born. It was something amazing to see a newborn colt get his legs and stand, then start walking. But even more entertaining was watching them start running and kicking for the first time. You couldn’t help but laugh watching them run around. It was a very joyful thing. I can’t explain it, but it was. It’s close to the same thing as watching your dog run around your house after getting out of a bath. It’s crazy. I’ve never seen anyone not think that was funny.

Verse 2 says for those of us who revere His name, not only will we experience the healing in His wings, but we will “go out and leap like calves released from the stall.” While I can’t say that I’ve seen calves released from the stall, I’ve seen horses and wet dogs. That’s a pretty great word picture. What an amazing moment that will be when we realize how truly we are cleansed, free, and secure.

(2 Peter 2)

Verse 19 reminds me us to not take lightly our personal weaknesses, “a man is a slave to whatever has mastered him”. I’ve found it common that each of us have a “deadly sin” issue or temptation that is unique to us. One man may struggle more with lust, while another with pride. One man may struggle with insecurity, while another with anger. Many have multiple struggles, obviously, but there is usually one or two that dominate each of us uniquely. We must know what ours are in order to do battle with them. Why? Peter reminds us of the truths about our nature found in Proverbs, "A dog returns to its vomit," and, "A sow that is washed goes back to her wallowing in the mud."

Father, thank you that you have given us every ability through Christ, to overcome temptation and sin in our lives. Father, continue to give us the strength and leading to abide in Him. Help us to stay in your Word, to trust in it’s truth, to have faith in your ways. Help us to grow in the knowledge that then, and only then, will we walk and find comfort in that truth.