But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. (Malachi 4:2 ESV)
The sun of righteousness is an image of Jesus
Malachi prophesied that God would cause the Sun of righteousness to arise on those who fear Him, and this Sun will have healing in its wings. What or who is this Sun of righteousness?
Let us begin by understanding this fascinating imagery. This verse pictures God’s people as calves looking forward to the light and warmth of sunrise, possibly after a cold and dark night. Furthermore, Malachi uses the term “wings” to describe the rays of the Sun, as though the Sun was a bird; the rays of the Sun brought healing to the cattle upon whom the rays fall. Rather than scorching heat and disease from intense heat, those rays were soothing, refreshing, and rejuvenating to the calves; they brought healing. What beautiful imagery of grace!
Matthew records the fulfillment of Malachi’s prophecy:
“the people dwelling in darkness have seen a great light, and for those dwelling in the region and shadow of death, on them, a light has dawned.” (Matthew 4:16 ESV)
Jesus is the Sun of righteousness of Malachi’s prophecy. He is the gigantic sun above us with rays of forgiveness, regeneration, gift of the Spirit, restoration of our soul, healing for our body, etc. Under those rays, we thrive, grow and flourish. How blessed and highly favored we are to be in the healing rays that emanate from Him!
Meditate
Why does God use figurative language like the one described above?
Apply the Word
To benefit from the healing virtue of the rays of that Sun, we must be in its rays; we must be under its wings! At salvation, God brings us—those that fear His Name— under the rays of the Sun of righteousness. Continue in fear of the Lord so those healing rays will continue to nurture you.
Pray
Thank the Father for the wonderful blessing of the Sun of Righteousness over us.
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