Text: Malachi 4:1-6, Revelation 22:16-21
Uncomfortable as it makes me to read words of judgment in the Bible, it does not make them any less important or true. The prophet Malachi told it in no uncertain terms: the day was coming, “burning like an oven.” The wicked would meet their match, the arrogant would become like ash in the fire.
The images makes me squirm. I desperately want justice and, at the same time, I don’t want it. I want to have my justice cake and be perfectly comfortable, too. But if all is to be made right—if the perfect justice of the Lord is to come and cover the earth—then that justice must also be for me. It is for my arrogance. It is for the darkest corners of my heart that can only be described as wicked. The day is coming when all the darkness will be consumed by the holy fire of God’s presence—that is a promise from God’s Word.
But thanks be to God that the promise does not end there.
“But 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 4:2
Is there anything more opposite the gloom of impending destruction than a young, gleeful cow leaping out of her stall, strong legs trampling fear and darkness? Is there anything more freeing than being pulled from a darkness of our own making into neverending light?
Friends, that promise is for you and me.
We are due justice, but we are given healing.
We are owed destruction, but we are made to leap with joy.
The prophet was speaking of the glorious day when Emmanuel would come—the day our rescue would begin and the day it would be fulfilled. God would dwell in flesh, the holy fire of the Almighty bottled up in human skin. Our God would descend to us and extend to us the ultimate invitation:
“And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”
– Revelation 22:17
The Sun of Righteous shall rise and, yes, the wicked will not withstand the light of His holy justice. But with Him—for the thirsty ones who will admit their thirst and ask for that life-giving drink of grace—with Him comes salvation.
He brings healing and freedom.
He brings mercy and wholeness.
He brings a hope that has us leaping from the stalls!
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk (leap!) as children of light.” – Ephesians 5:8 (leaping mine)
For an added layer of worship during this sweet season of adoration and expectation, we’ve created a Spotify playlist for Advent 2014! You can find the complete SheReadsTruth | O Come Let Us Adore Him playlist at this link, or listen to today’s track on the player below. Enjoy!
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83 thoughts on "The Daystar Shall Rise"
“He brings mercy and wholeness” I love that image. How many times do I feel like I am missing something or unfulfilled and yet He brings wholeness. In spite of my failings he fills me up.
Gosh. The overpowering promise of Gods grace raining down on us after a holy judgement makes me feel so undeserving of such love. But so thankful!
while judgement is so incredibly intimidating, I am humbled by the thought of my darkest actions or thoughts brought to the light and then being showers in God’s grace.
The sun rises with healing. As Dan breaks the rays of light pierce through the darkness. Warmth of God’s love spreads across our faces. It penetrates the coldness of our hearts and melts the ice of indifference; bringing healing and wholeness to all our broken pieces. Now seeing where once we were blind. Limbs strengthened where once we stumbled in infirmity. New life breathing deeply into our lungs where we once suffocated. The tumors, the scars, the mental anguish- all extinguished in the holy fire of the Son’s gaze. Our suffering now finding relief in his outstretched arms as they welcome us to his rest. We take hold of his nail pierced hands, shouting with joy and bowing in praise “my Lord and my God!”
Sorry *dawn, not Dan :)
There is so much broken-heartedness around me today as one of my friends went to be with the Lord a couple nights ago. Even in this dark, dark world we must constantly remind ourself in some way the He is the light of the world and that we ARE enough and that we are TO BE His light. I pray that lives are drawn to Christ through the death of this dear friend’s life and that we remember even in the darkness, He is our hope.
Amen Haley! Christ is the only hope we have in this situation. Praying for the peace that surpasses all understanding that comes from the Lord and for an eternal mindset. God is good and God is working even if we don’t understand. He is trustworthy…..
Colossians 3:1-3 “If then you have been raised with Christ, seek the things that are above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on earth. For you have died, and your life is hidden with Christ in God.”
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk (leap!) as children of light.” - Ephesians 5:8 (leaping mine)
There is a lot of sadness and hurt around me today because today my community is celebrating a sweet daughter of the King’s life who went to be with him last week unexpectedly. Without Christ, there is literally no hope. So much darkness would consume this time. But even in this hard situation God is bringing light into it. He is using it for his glory. She was such a light for Christ and although she is no longer here with us, she is still being a light for Christ. With Christ, we have hope. Jesus is our hope. We live in a fallen, sinful world- that death happens in- so much hurt happens in this world. But praise God for the inheritance we have because of our Savior! He is the hope when there seems to be none.
“But 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 4:2
amen. Healing over the physical, healing over the emotional, and healing over the spiritual. Gives me so much hope!
I'm a visual learner, maybe you are too. Here is a sweet simple video i found on youtube of calfs skipping, free from their stall for the first time! Thankful Jesus sets us free from our sin and lets us skip for joy in his glorious freedom! Reminds me of the Josh Garrels song "Farther Along"
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yl-9wwsZc0g
Loooove the imagery too! Calves leaping from their stalls!
My husband is a dairy farmer…I love the imagery of the calf leaping for joy…it’s so relatable!
Leaping towards the Water of Life this morning! Thank you for such a good Word!
Justice is coming. ”Good”, I say… “let the evil ones get what they got coming”.,, and I forget the dark corners of my own heart…the bitterness…the selfish thoughts…words spoken behind someone’s back. Oh LORD, I’m not worthy. Yet you still want me. Please forgive me…and yes, please pass the water of life my way :) Your mercy & grace are all I could ever want for Christmas.
“Is there anything more freeing than being pulled from a darkness of our own making into neverending light?” Wow. So incredible and so true. For months I have lived in the darkness of sin, guilt, and despair. But no more! The light of God’s mercy, love, and forgiveness has pierced the darkness. :)
I have chills, it’s so amazing that thanks to His amazing gift of salvation we avoid all the destruction and judgement that is to come. Amen God, you are holy!
Praying for Lani
"Is there anything more opposite the gloom of impending destruction than a young, gleeful cow leaping out of her stall, strong legs trampling fear and darkness? Is there anything more freeing than being pulled from a darkness of our own making into neverending light?"
"“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk (leap!) as children of light.” – Ephesians 5:8
There was a point in time pretty recently– a point in time that still shows itself here in the present, from time to time– when I was shrouded in the darkness of fear, doubt, horrible anxiety, and insanity. The days and nights alike were black; my prayers were constantly for peace. But just when I thought I was in the blackest hole I would ever be in, "the sun of righteousness [rose] with healing in its wings." Jesus saved me from it, and quite literally pulled me from the darkness into His never ending light using much prayer, holding onto His promises, and medication. I haven't felt that I've "[lept] like calves from the stall" yet, though, and I am now seeing that I need to delight in my Savior, stomping on the fear and darkness, and rejoicing for all He's done! Praise You for that, King Jesus. Amen.
Help us all to jump like calves from our stalls at the sound of Your loving call to us, Jesus. May we see you today. Amen.
–AnnaLee (again, I felt like adding another comment)
We are due justice, but we are given healing. We are owed destruction, but we are made to leap with joy.
I am so thankful for his mercy! I pray today for those who are lost and hurting. May they seek You and thirst for that drink of grace! Amen! Amen to a God of holiness!
Do you have the digital resource packs still available? I noticed the printed version is out of stock and would like to use a resource pack for discussion during our devotional time. Thanks!
Hi Natalie! We actually don\’t have digital copies of the Advent study, but I\’m sure this study would still be great with a group using the app or online! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
"God would dwell in flesh, the holy fire of the Almighty bottled up in human skin. " How powerful! Thank you SRT for so beautifully bringing the truth of our God to life with a fresh perspective every day. May the Lord continue to work through you in such a wonderful way!
Around this time of year, when so many of us (myself included) are spending money to buy gifts for family and friends, I can't help but think of what it means to get a gift for myself, a "gift without price." Because it did have a price. It cost God so much. It cost me nothing. That alone should definitely have me leaping.
And it's the perfect gift too. It's the gift God had in mind for generations before He put His costly rescue plan into action so that His children would be able to freely receive.
Thank you for this app! ❤️ I’m learning to seek refuge in CHRIST, to crave and welcome silence, and to stop hiding behind my phone… Face the silence and disconnect bravely.
Just in case you haven’t yet experienced this video, I’d like you to witness Happy Cows:
https://m.youtube.com/watch?feature=youtu.be&v=kUZ1YLhIAg8
It brings me so much joy to imagine us all jumping around like these sweet cows because of the hope and security we have in God With Us and the redemption of our souls.
Happy Friday SRT fam!
Also praying for Lani, Sheila. May God equip those that treat her with divine knowledge and improve her health miraculously. May He also be your comfort and hers in this time of uncertainty, restlessness, and sorrow.
Thanks for sharing! Loved the video! :)
“We are due justice, but we are given healing. We are owed destruction, but we are made to leap with joy.”
Re-reading today because there is just so much good stuff.
Lately my mind has been getting bogged down from memories of my own sins before Jesus got a hold of me. Part of me thinks that I should forget all that because I’m not who I was. But then – I don’t want to forget that I too am due justice and owed destruction. But I am given healing and am made to leap with joy. Beautiful.
"but for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings…."
oh how i've needed His healing and oh how He has graciously over and over proven faithful to His promises.
amanda, there truly is nothing "more freeing than being pulled from a darkness of our own" and into His "never-ending Light."
heart so full right now. thank you Father. thank you.
Jesus, You make us to leap from the stalls in joy!! Your yoke is not heavy, nor your precepts burdensome. Forgive me for seeing them as such. You make us to rest in Your goodness, telling us to "Take [Your] yoke upon [us]" and to "learn from [You], for [You are] gentle and humble in heart, and [we] will find rest for [our] souls" (Matthews 11:29, NIV). Make us to jump and leap with just as much praise in our hearts and mouths for You as we do praising You in the inactivity, as well. For only You can make us free, whole, strong, and able to do all the things you've called us to (Philippians 4:13). We praise You for that today, Father God! Amen!
Your sister in Christ,
AnnaLee
Adding music to this series has been such a blessing, thanks for the playlist!
So glad you've loved it as much as we have! The playlist has been on repeat in our office:) We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Amanda, thank you for always focusing on God first when you write these. We can so easily forget that the point of the bible is not us, but Him, and you are so faithful to the text. Thank you so much.
Thank you Jesus for taking me out of the darkness, continue to help me and guide me so I stay out of it! Thank you for your light, and the water you give us,, it’s truly the best ever! Help me to share your light as I go through my day.
I pray for these women at SRT and the gals that post comments, keep them strong in you, I’m learning so much from this.
"Let the one who desires take the water of life without price"
What hits me is that the gift of Jesus is ONLY free for us. It cost EVERYTHING for our God. Such undeserved grace all thanks to Jesus.
Also, how beautiful is God's word?
"But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteouness shall rise with healing in its wings."
His word amazes me everyday. Thank you God.
Today study bring tears to my eyes, at times I am so thristy for god.i am happy to be no longer in darkness but in light. Thank you Jesus!!!!!!!!
I am just filled with joy at what God is doing in my heart through this study and this community. This is my first week of being part of SRT and all I want to do is dig deeper into all that I have missed out on! I needed so very much to get back into the Word daily. Thank you for putting all of this together.
Welcome to our community, Bonnie! We are so thrilled to have you! It's such a joy to celebrate Advent with you this season.
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
"Is there anything more freeing than being pulled from a darkness of our own making into neverending light?"
I'd say NO! There isn't!
It still astounds me today how my sin, once confessed and repented of, was met with nothing more than mercy and peace, rather than judgement and punishment, when we as a group prayed for God to reveal our sin a few months ago. It was SO FREEING, yet I started off being scared of what I would find and what would happen.
"We are due justice, but we are given healing.
We are owed destruction, but we are made to leap with joy."
Amen!! I have witness to that!
WOW. How truly abundant, amazing God's grace is to change the course of our lives forever by giving us the water of eternal life, by healing our sin-crippled hearts, by making us leap in freedom for the ultimate joy He has given us in Christ! I am set free! Praise you, Lord Jesus!
“God would dwell in flesh, the holy fire of the Almighty bottled up in human skin.”
I was just struck by what a beautiful description of Jesus this is. Just wow.
“For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk (leap!) as children of light.” - Ephesians 5:8 (leaping mine)
Love that! Even when I am down or feel like I am conforming to the mold of our sinful world, I am reminded that I am a child of the light and and I should jump for joy for THE light living inside of me!
This has me weeping this morning begging Him to Redeem even the here and now. Begging Him to take those dark parts and bring His light. These words have found a powerful impact on my heart today. Come, LORD Jesus, come.
“We are due justice, but we are given healing. We are owed destruction, but we are made to leap with joy.”
Amen amen!!!
Amen is right!!!
The first few days of this season. I caught myself being stressed and frustrated. And I began to think about what my true intentions should be.
I’ve gone from rushed to hushed.
Stressed to less.
None of what I was stressing over bears true meaning. The only thing that truly matters is remembering Him who gave himself for me. Holding tight to it and just breathing in the wondrous beauty of this season!
So thankful for the hope we have in Jesus Christ.
Your comment touched my heart – my prayer this season is that we won't miss Christmas.
Love this "rushed to hushed" "stressed to less". Father keep me focused on You today and everyday!
Love that, Melanie. Thank you for sharing what God's been teaching you with us. Rushed to hushed, now that's something I love!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
YES YES YES!!!
Wow! In tears! Thank you!
Thanks for joining us today, Carmen! We love having you!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
I am not posting about the devotional today, but I am making a prayer request. One of my oldest and dearest friends was diagnosed with cancer on Tuesday. It was found in 3 places, and the doctors have not given her much hope. She is in extreme pain, and today I ask for all my sisters in Christ all over the world to pray for her. Her name is Lani.
Thanks.
Praying for Lani now.
I'm praying for Lani. You are a good friend to her Shelia.
Praying right now too!
I'm praying!
Praying for her right now!
Just prayed for her … And for you.
Praying for lani….Thank you Sheila for allowing us to join you in praying for your friend…God bless you too, my Sister…xxx
Praying, Sheila. I’m so sorry you and Lani are hurting right now. Christ be ever near to you both. xo, Amanda
Prayed!
I prayed for lani!!!!!
Praying in one accord with my sisters in Christ! Praying to our Father Who is still a God of miracles!
Oh Shelia, I completely understand what she’s going through. I will keep her in my prayers also,, you can’t believe much comfort they bring. Holy Spirit wrap your arms around Lani, and give her the peace that only you can give. Blanket her with your comfort as only you can do, in Jesus name. Thank you.
Praying for Lani.
Praying for lani
Wow. When I read passages about the wicked vs. the righteous/believers, I always automatically put myself in the blessed group! I assumed that I was good. The "wicked" people were the people who chose to ignore God or chose a "wicked" life. I never really thought about my wickedness and arrogance. I know that I am a sinner, but the extent of my sin became evident this morning. I realized that I am arrogant and wicked. I am apart of the group that will burn on the day when Jesus returns. I also realized that I can be saved from the darkness by the "sun of righteousness." I must admit my thirst and ask for the life-giving water like Amanda says. Only then will I find the healing and freedom in Christ through God's mercy and love. I do not deserve his salvation, but He gives it to me freely.
Thank you God for setting me free from my arrogance and wickedness. I am a sinner; I am a member of the "wicked" group. You are my only hope to be pulled from the darkness. You provide light to guide my ways. I rejoice in your name because you saved me from fire and ash. I pray that I prepare myself during this lifetime for your return. Help me set my eyes on you and seek you so I will be ready for that day of judgment. I need you God! I need your mercy, your grace, and your love. So I pray, "Come, Lord Jesus. The grace of the Lord Jesus be with God's People. Amen"
What a beautiful picture of redemption, Catherine. Thanks for sharing your heart with us today!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Such hope and peace to know that I have accepted that water of life that my God so freely gives…..This was so beautiful and touching and just a perfect reminder for me today. Thank you Amanda for you words.
xoxo
“We are due justice, but we are given healing.”
Praising my sweet, sweet Savior for bringing the gift of God’s grace! For bearing my judgment, my punishment, upon himself.
Beckey
http://reallyreallyrealhousewives.blogspot.com http://www.etsy.com/shop/queenbsbusywork
Beautiful and so amazing and encouraging! Thank you Amanda, and thank You, Lord!
"let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price."
Our middle child often forgets to drink in a day. We provide a large bottle of water she carries with her everywhere and has trained herself to drink and frequently refill. She is learning to recognize how she physically feels, so that she can begin to recognize when she needs water, as she is often not aware of her thirst. We do this because we notice a huge change in her when she's not had enough. She becomes irritable, tired and hyper sensitive, all aspects of her disorder become very evident. Water is essential for our bodies, we need it to run properly. Christ is even more. How could we ensure we eat properly, provide fluid to quench our thirst and not understand Christ as the foundation of it all. I physically thirst for Him daily. If I've not experienced Him or spent time with Him in some capacity, I become irritable, grumpy and hyper sensitive.
I am so thankful that I long for Christ, that I know I need Him, that He provides life and sustenance more than anything for me and I'm prayerful for those not aware of their need, not aware of their thirst. Prayerful that they begin to recognize their spirit's thirst and that they seek and find the One who brings healing and freedom, mercy and wholeness, and a hope that will have them leaping! ~ B
What a beautiful object lesson.
Thank you for sharing your story. I so relate!
We have that passage on a print hanging in our house. I look at it often. It never gets old, and always does something within me when I read it. I love how Amanda puts it;
He brings healing and freedom. He brings mercy and wholeness. He brings a hope that has us leaping from the stalls!
The freedom and power that comes with this truth instills hope within my soul. This promise that those of us who stand by him will have salvation creates a peace inside of me. Thank you Jesus.
And after all the sermons and church services and scriptures read, it gives new hope like never before every time I think about our God who came down. What a unfathomable wonder and an awesome mystery that all we have to do is ask for what He has already offered…life-giving grace.
Thank you for the encouraging word, Amanda!
Blessings to all of you, ladies!
Loved the imagery of the leaping calf! We are set free! "I heard the bells on Christmas Day" says in part, "The wrong shall fail, the right prevail". Judgment IS coming, regardless of what we want or think.
Then pealed the bells more loud and deep:
“God is not dead; nor doth he sleep!
The Wrong shall fail,
The Right prevail,
With peace on earth, good-will to men!” http://www.hopeinthehealing.com/2014/12/05/the-un…
But that justice also includes mercy and we are partakers of that mercy! Thank you Amanda for a beautiful and encouraging post.
Blessings, sisters!
Thank you for sharing the link. "Because of Christmas, we have an eternal Hope that will overcome the heartbreak and suffering we have here!"
He brings healing and freedom.
He brings mercy and wholeness..
He brings a hope that has us leaping from the stalls!….Amen…Amen..Amen..I love that image of us leaping…out of our bandages, our chains, our sins, our shame….our sickness….instead of the consequential punishment, we leap, we jump, we rejoice because in our HOPE…….Jesus Christ..
For at one time you were darkness, but now you are light in the Lord. Walk (leap!) as children of light.” – Praise God…Amen..
“And let the one who is thirsty come; let the one who desires take the water of life without price.”…
I AM thirsty…so very thirsty..Here I am Lord God, ..here I am, with the desire to take the water of life….fill me to overflowing Lord….Thank you Lord God…Thank you…
Sisters, a Merry Friday to you, with a sprinkling of Love and abundant Blessings…..xxx
Amanda's words reminded me of this beautiful song that has been on my heart to share.. .http://m.youtube.com/watch?v=TdioQL3HWLM&feature=youtu.be….
I just love reading your comments Tina! I look forword to them daily…they always make me smile! Merry Christmas!!
Just the other day, our pastor’s sermon was about clothing ourselves with light. What a fitting message with today’s study! Although the dark days are coming, we can take heart in the joy and peace that comes with Christ, and clothe ourselves in his righteousness instead of the ways of the world.
Sarah, I love the idea of clothing ourselves with light! What a wonderful image. Thanks for joining us today, friend!
xoxo-Kaitlin for She Reads Truth
Amen. I've done a little study on the Spiritual armor talked about in Ephesians 6 and how Christ is truly each part of that armor. Whether it'd be the breastplate of righteousness (He is our Righteousness- Isaiah 53:11), the belt of truth (He is the Way, the Truth, and the Life- John 14:6), the sword of the Word (He is the Word– John 1:1-5), The helmet of salvation (He is our salvation, and belief in Him gives us salvation- Romans 10:9-10), our shield of faith (Faith in Jesus alone protects us- Ephesians 2:8), and our shoes fitted with readiness to share the Gospel of Peace (His is the gospel of peace- 1 Corinthians 15:1-4), Jesus is our protection and clothing. Jesus, may we be clothed with You today! Amen!
–AnnaLee