Leaping Like Calves

I was asked to preach at my church this Novemeber 22, 2008. When asked, I immediately accepted the privilage with enthusiasm and began to search the Scriptures as to what I would preach. Everytime the Lord allows me to speak His Word I find it a great challenge to preach something I have never reasearched in depth in order to make myself disciplined to study. Therefore, I have decided to preach over Malachi 4. Lately, I have read this short book numerous times and God is slowly revealing to me His awesome plan of salvation through Christ. In this process of sermon prep, I wanted to share with you what the Lord has taught me through His Word.

Reading chapter 4 of Malachi it seems that verse 4 is an abnormal insert to the context of the coming of the "sun of righteousness" (v2). Read:

"'Remember the law of my servant Moses, the statutes and rules that I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel.'" (v4)

However, this verse is opposite of abnormal. At a first glance, confusion settles in as to why there is the need to adhere to these laws when a Healer is on His way. But, then after consideration it makes perfect sense in light of the gospel of Jesus.

Understand with me:

Galatians 3:10 says,

"For all who rely on works of the law are under a curse; for it is written, 'Cursed be everyone who does not abide by all things written in the Book of the Law, and do them.'"

Explanation: In corolation to Malachi, God wants His people who are waiting for the coming Healer, to remember the laws so that they may realize that they are incapable of obtaining perfection in the law. You say, "that's obsurd!" Yes, there is hope for the one who realizes they are insufficient in comparrison to God's laws. Continue to read as Galatians says,

"Now it is evident that no one is justified before God by the law, for 'The righteous shall live by faith.'"(3:11)

So, what is the purpose of the law?

"the law was our guardian until Christ came, in order that we might be justified by faith." (3:24)

When men realize that they are sinful in comparison to a perfect law, then are they ready to praise a righteous Savior who is capable to fulfill all the law in His life. This person is Jesus.

All that was stated above concludes to the picture painted in the rest of Malachi 4. Before Jesus actually makes His way to the scence, John the Baptist must come (v5) and prepare the hearts of those who found themselves empty in light of the law.

Law-->Inability to fulfill Law-->Recognition that I am a sinner-->I need a Savior-->Jesus is capable to fulfill the law in His life-->Jesus dies for the sins of the world-->I recognize Him as Savior and worship Him.

I hope that this short meditation has shed some light on your understanding for the need of a Savior. All Scripture does and should through the inclinations of our hearts point to Jesus and our need of Him. If I fail at this, then I fail at the preaching of the gospel.

Greg