12/10/2022 - THE SUN OF RIGHTEOUSNESS

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But to you who fear My name the Sun of Righteousness shall arise with healing in His wings; and you shall go out and grow fat like stall-fed calves.  Malachi 4.2

Without the sun, life on Earth would practically disappear, because everything would freeze. Even if man would find artificial ways to stay somewhere, it probably wouldn’t be for everyone, because it would be expensive. However, people should prepare themselves for this day. After all, Jesus said that before His return, the sun will be darkened and the moon will no longer give its light (Matthew 24.29,30). It is hard to know exactly how it will happen, but surely, many will regret having rejected the Lord.

Leaving this subject for later, let us deal with something that the world is losing by not paying enough attention to Christ’s words about being born again (John 3.3). This experience is spiritual. In it, a man’s spirit reconnects with God and begins to act as intended by the Creator, with power over demons (Luke 10.19). Those who experience this never again submit to evil; after all, they become members of the Body of Christ.

It’s a tragedy what happens to people who wish to follow God, but are not taught to be as the Lord has planned. Instead of knowing the Truth, they hear that they need to be religious and follow dogmas. Now, Jesus did not come to improve religions, but to tell all that man needs to learn in order to become victorious over darkness. Christ said that, when we are enlightened by the Word (Matthew 5.14-16), we will never be oppressed, but free.

The prophet Malachi compared people’s daily events to the sunrise, when the night goes away and soon everything becomes clear. By understanding who Jesus is, every saved person begins to walk in the daytime, seeing the opportunities in God’s Word for them. Then the dream of being successful comes true. No evil force can overpower those enlightened by God, because He will continue to bless them according to their faith (Ephesians 1.18-23).

The Sun of Righteousness, the shining of heavenly glory, the Lord Jesus, brought truth and grace, which are able to change the lives of those who trust in Him and make use of the revelations of the Scriptures (John 1.9,17). However, if a person does not strive to believe and take hold of them, they will have little change in their life. Jesus said: And from the days of John the Baptist until now the kingdom of heaven suffers violence, and the violent take it by force (Matthew 11.12).

In cattle raising, it is customary to put calves in the barn so that they become strong, healthy, and gain good weight. However, one day they are ready for the mission that is reserved for them. Then, when the stall door is opened, they go out to grow until they are of a good age to be sold, as calculated by their owners. We were subjects of the kingdom of darkness, but Christ died to set us free. When we hear the message of the Gospel, we must head out towards freedom (John 8.36).

We must grow and not stay in the same life of the past. We have been set free for the abundant life brought by Jesus (John 10:10b). It is up to each one of us to learn more about the Savior and walk towards the freedom that He has given us. What will we do with the talents He has given us in this new life? We are to work more to give back at His return (Matthew 25.14-30).  

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares