When we are found in Jesus, we will be like calves, skipping out of their stalls. We will have joy. Joy is a beautiful thing. It is not based on circumstance. That is happiness. We are happy because we have this or that. I am happy when my team wins. Joy is deeper. Joy is not found based on what we have, but joy is found in who we are, or perhaps better said, based on whose we are. We have joy because we have Jesus and our life is found in Him. He is the source of our joy.

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Good morning. On this Friday morning, I hope you’re doing well as we finish our journey through Malachi. Today, we’ll read Malachi 4:1-6, the final passage of this book. It’s important to note that Malachi is the last of the Old Testament prophets, and after him, there is a 400-year period of silence before Jesus. During this time, there were no prophets in the land, though God was still active. This silence can remind us of the times when we feel God isn’t speaking to us, but we must remember He is always at work.

A few days ago, we referenced the messenger mentioned in chapter 3, and here we learn that this messenger will be Elijah, which is fulfilled by John the Baptist in the Gospels. Jesus quotes this passage, emphasizing that John the Baptist is the messenger sent to prepare the way. I find the verse about turning the hearts of parents to their children and vice versa especially moving. It highlights the importance of familial relationships and reconciliation.

For those who revere the Lord’s name, the “sun of righteousness” will rise with healing, bringing joy and renewal. This joy in the Lord is profound and not dependent on external circumstances. Unlike happiness, which is fleeting and circumstantial, joy is deeply rooted in our relationship with Christ. It springs from knowing our purpose, identity, and life are found in Him.

The image of leaping calves is a vivid representation of the joy and freedom we experience in the Lord. Though we might not associate cows with energy and coordination, this metaphor captures the exuberant joy we have in Christ. The day is coming when the arrogant and evildoers will be judged, but those who revere the Lord will be healed and restored.

The term “curate,” which means one who cures souls, is a fitting description of what the Lord does for us. Our souls, broken by sin, are healed and made whole by His grace. The Lord longs to cure the brokenness in our lives and restore what sin has corrupted. Righteousness brings healing, and we have much to be thankful for.

In these final verses of Malachi, we are reminded to remember the teachings of Moses and the goodness of the Lord. We must stay rooted in Him, finding our joy, strength, and identity in our relationship with Christ. When our lives are anchored in Him, we experience a joy that transcends circumstances.

Today, know who you are in Christ. When our purpose, life, and all in all are found in Him, we have joy. We will leap like calves from the stall, filled with the joy of the Lord.

As we conclude our time in the Minor Prophets, it’s been a rewarding journey. We’ve learned a lot and grown together. On August 5th, the first Monday in August, we’ll begin a new study in the Gospel of John. There will be no Rooted next week as I am preaching a revival, but we’ll start fresh in August.

Thank you for joining us on this journey. Have a great weekend, and we’ll see you on August 5th as we dive into the Gospel of John.