the wings of healing…
Written By: Chris Mace
“The day is coming!”
That pronouncement draws our attention! Predictions intrigue and sometimes unsettle us whether they are speculations about the stock market, actuarial tables, prognostications associated with diseases, habits and medical treatments, or discussions about political outcomes, Some of us even resort to tarot cards and fortune tellers to garner what might be coming down the pike.
The prophet Malachi introduced a futuristic view of God’s promised justice, deliverance, wholeness, and joy with the phrase “For behold, the day is coming.” The follow up special prophecy is a beautiful word picture of the hope of all God-believers: “For you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings. You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall. (Malachi 4:1-3)
That truth had been tested and proven on many occasions when God brought redemption and joyful reconciliation to Israel after they had erred but then had repented of their sinful ways. The principle that redemption follows repentance is the overarching Gospel which flows throughout the Old Testament and New Testament.
Malachi’s vision of a magnificent bird with widespread wings soaring over the land spreading healing is an awesome image which also foreshadows Christ, the “Great Physician,”who healed bodies and souls everywhere he went.
The Old Testament prophet Isaiah foretold that Jesus would have a healing ministry at the cross: “But he was pierced for our transgressions; he was crushed for our iniquities; upon him was the chastisement that brought us peace, and with his wounds we are healed” (Isaiah 53:5).
Healing and wholeness are the essence of Jesus’ wonderful promise: “Come to me all you who are weary and burdened, and I will give you rest.” He told those whom he physically healed that they were made “whole” by their faith and restored others with spiritual healing and forgiveness of sins (John 5:6) (Luke 17:19)(Mark 2:1-12).
The Apostle Paul reminded the Colossian Church that their sin had alienated them from God, but through faith they were reconciled to God by Jesus’ death so they could be presented “holy and blameless and above reproach before Him” (Colossians 1:21-22). He told the Thessalonians that God is the one who makes spirits whole. (1Thessalonians 5:23-24).
That is the Gospel. God through Christ brings new spiritual life with forgiveness, righteousness, joy, and reconciliation to all who repent of sins and trust in his atonement for humanity’s sins.
Of course, Malachi’s prophecy also refers to a future time when the Son of righteousness will arise with powerful healing for all His people, a day when justice will prevail, wrongs will be righted, evil will be banished, tears will be wiped away, death will be no more, and God’s creation will be completely restored to its intended, glorious purpose. Jesus made this coming day possible as he offered the world forgiveness, peace, healing, and eternal hope.
“For behold, the day is coming” is a prediction worthy of consideration.