Introduction: Malachi 4 speaks of the coming day of the Lord, the judgment of the wicked, and the promise of restoration for the righteous. It is a message that is both sobering for those who won’t bow to Jesus, and encouraging for those who will bow the knee to Jesus. This chapter is a calling of the people of God to live in obedience and faithfulness as they await the coming of the Messiah.
I. The Day of the Lord (Malachi 4:1)
This verse speaks of the coming day of the Lord, a day that will be marked by the judgment of the wicked. It is described as a “burning oven” that will consume the arrogant and evildoers. This type of figurative speech remind us of other verses in the Bible that speak of God’s judgment, such as Isaiah 66:15-16 which describes the Lord coming with fire to judge his enemies, and 2 Peter 3:10 which speaks of the day of the Lord coming like a thief and the elements being destroyed by fire.
II. The Righteous will be Restored (Malachi 4:2)
In contrast to the judgment of the wicked, this verse speaks of the promise of restoration for the righteous. It is described as the “sun of righteousness” rising with healing in its wings. This is a beautiful picture of the hope and healing that will come to those who fear the Lord. It is echoed in other passages such as Isaiah 60:1 which speaks of the light of the Lord rising upon his people, and Revelation 22:2 which describes the leaves of the tree of life being for the healing of the nations.
III. The Wicked will be Trampled (Malachi 4:3)
This verse continues the theme of judgment for the wicked, stating that they will be trampled underfoot like ashes. It is a graphic fat image of the fate of those who reject the Lord. It is similar to other passages such as Psalm 1:4 which speaks of the wicked being like chaff that is blown away by the wind, and Revelation 19:15 which describes the Lord treading the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God.
IV. The Call to Remember the Law (Malachi 4:4)
This verse calls the people of God to remember the law of Moses, the statutes and rules given to them at Horeb. It is a reminder that obedience to the Lord is the pathway to blessing and life. It is echoed in other passages such as Deuteronomy 6:6-7 which commands the people to keep the law of the Lord on their hearts and teach it to their children, and James 1:25 which speaks of the blessing that comes to those who are doers of the law.
V. The Coming of Elijah (Malachi 4:5-6)
The final verses of this chapter speak of the coming of Elijah before the great and awesome day of the Lord. It is a promise that God will send a messenger to turn the hearts of the people back to him. This prophecy is fulfilled in the New Testament with the coming of John the Baptist, who came in the spirit and power of Elijah to prepare the way for the Messiah (Luke 1:17).
Conclusion: Malachi 4 is a sobering message to the wicked, and an encouraging message to the faithful, about the future coming day of the Lord. It is a call to the people of God to live in obedience and faithfulness, with the promise of restoration and healing for the righteous and the warning of judgment for the wicked. It is a message that is relevant for us today as we await the second coming of the Messiah and the final judgment of a sinful world. We as believers should take heed to the call to remember the law of the Lord and live in obedience to him, as we await the coming of the Lord with much hope and anticipation.
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