Background:
The prophet encouraged the Israelites to follow God when so many, including the religious leaders, disregarded God and His standards for a faithful living (Malachi 1:12–14; 3:5–9). Malachi called the people to live faithfully because of a coming time when God would make the final distinction between the two groups. Malachi used the unexpected imagery of a frolicking calf to describe the unspeakable joy that the faithful group will experience when “the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays” (Malachi 4:2).
My Comments to You:
I experienced freedom in Jesus when I turned my life over to Jesus. The image that helped me to visualize joy was the lifting of huge weights from my shoulders.
Jesus is the ultimate fulfillment, bringing the good news that true freedom is available to all people (Luke 4:16–21). One day, in God’s, renewed and restored creation, we will experience freedom. What indescribable joy it will be celebrating freedom there!
Reflect:
How have you experienced freedom in Jesus? What other images help you to visualize joy?
My Prayer for Us:
Jesus, help us to live joyfully as we remember the freedom only You provide.
Our Daily bread Ministries (2021/09/23) Frolicking in Freedom, Lisa M. Samra, retrieved from www.odb.org 23/09/2021 Frolicking in Freedom.