The Day of the Lord
“1 “Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and that day that is coming will set them on fire,” says the LORD Almighty. “Not a root or a branch will be left to them.
2 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.
3 Then you will trample down the wicked; they will be ashes under the soles of your feet on the day when I do these things,” says the LORD Almighty.
4 “Remember the law of my servant Moses, the decrees and laws I gave him at Horeb for all Israel.
5 “See, I will send you the prophet Elijah before that great and dreadful day of the LORD comes.
6 He will turn the hearts of the fathers to their children, and the hearts of the children to their fathers; or else I will come and strike the land with a curse.””
The book of Malachi, the last book of the Old Testament, was proclaimed when the Israelites had returned from Babylonian exile but still faced a harsh reality. In Malachi, the Day of the Lord is described as “a day burning like a furnace.” This day will bring judgment to the arrogant and evildoers, but to those who fear the Lord, it will be a day of salvation when “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings.”
Arrogance in this context is more than boastfulness; it signifies a heart that denies God’s authority and relies solely on its own power. Those who defy God’s justice will face His righteous judgment, while those who revere Him will experience healing, restoration, and joy.
God’s justice transcends nationality or status, applying universally to all who act with pride and wickedness. Therefore, we are called to acknowledge our frailty and ask for God’s light to shine upon our lives. Malachi urges the Israelites to remember God's law and foretells the coming of a prophet like Elijah—a prophecy fulfilled in John the Baptist. The Day of the Lord was realized when Jesus Christ came to the earth.
Advent is a season celebrating hope, peace, love, and joy. However, without repentance and humility, we miss its true meaning. Preparing to receive Jesus begins with abandoning our pride and wickedness and seeking God’s light through repentance. If we hold even a small measure of power or responsibility, we must use it with humility, acknowledging our weaknesses and drawing closer to God.
Prayer: Lord, we long for Your healing light and come before You with humble hearts. Help us to acknowledge our brokenness and bow before You, seeking Your grace. Shine Your light upon this world, restoring true hope, love, peace, and joy to all who are in despair. Guide the leaders of nations, including the United States, South Korea, and countries around the world, with Your justice and mercy. Amen.
(Note: This summary was created based on an AI draft.)
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