Friday, November 04, 2016

Today we come in our study of Malachi to chapter 4. Again we’ll look for what to appreciate, avoid, appropriate and anticipate. Verse 1 assures us of the certainty of God’s plan: “Surely the day is coming!” That’s the basis of our hope, spelled out in verse 2, “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.” At present you might feel like you are caged in very difficult circumstances, wondering if you’ll ever get out into the sun again and enjoy the delight of freedom. God says you will, if you revere His name. You’ll go out and leap for joy like calves released from the stall. Does that “picture promise” lift your spirits? Do you appreciate what God has in store for you in His appointed time? Remember, He writes the last chapter! He’ll prepare His people by sending a prophet to herald the approaching day. His mission is to “turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers.” Family relations will be restored. They will enjoy each other and delight in spending time together. Health and healing will be the order of the day. If you appreciate this “picture promise,” why not work at these relationships now? In Ephesians 6:1-5 and Colossians 3:20-21 Paul gives clear instructions for building healthy relationships between parents and children. Prayerfully ask God to help you obey these instructions and make them a growing part of your family life.