Malachi 4:2 “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings, and you will go out and playfully jump like calves from the stall.”
The Old Testament uses such vivid imagery in the writings of the prophets. The second half of Malachi 4:2 is one of those vivid images. Now, if you were raised in the city, this may not mean anything to you.
Being raised in the country, I am familiar with calves. When you let them loose into the field after a night of being penned into a stall, the first thing they do is to jump around and kick their feet up in the air. Some will run with pleasure. Others will frolic and butt each other playfully. It is obvious they are overjoyed with their freedom.
This imagery is describing New Covenant believers. Jesus came with healing in His wings. The wicked one is conquered. We are set free from the kingdom of darkness. No longer are we slaves to sin.
It is important to understand as sinners we were slaves to satan. “Jesus responded, “Truly I tell you, everyone who commits sin is a slave of sin.” (John 8:34 CSB) Jesus said, “So if the Son sets you free, you really will be free.” (John 8:36 CSB)
Therefore, due to what Jesus did for us when He died on the cross, we should have the same joy and refreshing sense of freedom as those calves. The freedom it experiences causes our spirit to be constantly excited.
Then, from our spirit, joy should move into our mind and continue into the body. Spiritual joy is not an emotion. It is a fruit of the spirit and always is a part of a believer’s soul. The joy of the Lord is our strength.
Be like the calves who were loosed from the stall and ran into the freedom of the pasture. Jump, frolic, and kick up your spiritual heels. We are free and should appreciate that freedom daily.
Prayer
Lord. I ask you to forgive my complacence towards the freedom your Son purchased for me with His precious blood. As I meditate upon your word concerning my freedom, please renew my appreciation for what you have done. Refresh my joy as I celebrate my redemption from slavery.
Additional Scriptures:
1 Peter 1:18-19; Galatians 3:13; 1 Corinthians 6:30; 7:23; Ephesians 2:2-3; Hebrews 2:14-15
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