DAILY DEVOTIONAL 1

John Christopher Wallace

Malachi 4:3-5

Ordinarily, the OT prophets are not known for pleasantries. However, at the end of the prophecy of Malachi, we learn that obedience to YHWH will present to the faithful a healing like none other. While not necessarily a healing of the body, our strengthened relationship with the LORD will yield a healing of our souls. We cannot manufacture this healing, but we must realize that it comes as we seek the LORD daily. An added bonus found in Malachi's words is the promise of the "Elijah," better known to us as John the Baptist, the forerunner of our LORD Jesus Christ. While this "Elijah" demanded repentance, he also desired that his first hearers (and us as well) take very seriously the creation of an intimate relationship with the prophesied Messiah. He and He alone can provide the healing we need if we but ask. He and He alone can and will forgive us those things that divide and help us to foster stronger relationships with each other and with our LORD.

QUESTIONS:

1. What other OT references can we cite for healing that only YHWH can provide?

2. While many people pray for a healing of the body (and rightly so), do we find it hard to pray for a healing of our souls?

3. Malachi tells us that "Elijah" will "turn hearts." Have our hearts become hard toward each other? Can we plead with Jesus Christ to turn ours?