Malachi 4:1-6: The Day I Have Set

Malachi 4:1-6: The Day I Have Set

Verse 1: "Surely the day is coming; it will burn like a furnace. All the arrogant and every evildoer will be stubble, and the day that is coming will set them on fire," says the LORD Almighty. "Not a root or a branch will be left to them."

Verse 2: "But for you who revere my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves."

This is the final portion of Malachi. The prophet declares the coming of "the day of the LORD" (3:16), described as a day that "will burn like a furnace" (4:1). It will be a fearsome day—a day of distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not (3:16). The arrogant and evildoers will be like stubble thrown into a furnace, consumed without leaving even ashes behind. The declaration is absolute: those who are proud and practice evil will be completely destroyed, leaving neither root nor branch.

Malachi identifies the stubborn ones as those who do not fear God. These people mock God, claiming that the arrogant and wicked are blessed and prosperous. They ridicule those who humbly follow God's statutes and laws, those who strive to live righteously. They boast of their wealth and success achieved through pride and wickedness, while taunting and tempting God-fearing people to "test" their faith.

Malachi pronounces the final destiny of such people. On that day—the day God has appointed, which will burn like a furnace—He will act according to what is written in His book of remembrance.

The day the LORD has appointed will be a day of terror for some and a day of joy for others. We earnestly pray that it will be a day of joy and hope for all of us.

Prayer: God of love and justice, we seek Your mercy for that day. Though we desire and strive to serve You and live righteously, we fall short of perfection. Lord, have mercy on us. Holy Spirit, guide us in truth. Amen.