The Great and Glorious Day of the Lord

Sermon Title: "The Great and Glorious Day of the Lord"

Scripture: Malachi 4:1-6 Series Theme: Malachi: God's Final Word to a Waiting People Focus: God's justice, restoration, and call to prepare for His coming.

"A Morning of Worship, A Lifetime of Grace."

Introduction:

The Final Word Before a New Beginning

In life, the last words someone speaks carry great weight. They encapsulate what matters most, leaving a lasting impression. As we turn to Malachi 4, we encounter the final words of the Old Testament—a message of judgment, hope, and preparation that bridges the gap between God’s covenant with Israel and the coming of Christ. These words are both sobering and uplifting, reminding us that the Lord’s purposes will be fulfilled in their entirety.

Malachi lived in a time of spiritual apathy and disillusionment. The people had grown weary of waiting for God’s promises to be fulfilled, questioning whether obedience to His commands was worth it. This passage addresses both the faithful and the faithless, calling God’s people to remember His Word and prepare for the coming Day of the Lord—a day that will bring both judgment and restoration.

As we gather this morning, I want to remind you of the hope and responsibility we have as believers. Tonight, we will come together for my ordination, a moment of personal commitment to God’s call in ministry. Today’s passage in Malachi 4 is a fitting reminder that our work, our worship, and our waiting all point to one ultimate reality: the return of Christ and the fulfillment of His kingdom.

The Rising Sun by Glenn Hughes

The day will come, both bright and true, With fire to cleanse and light to renew. The proud will fall, the faithful will rise, As healing wings stretch across the skies.

Remember His Word, prepare your way, The Lord is coming—oh, glorious day!

1. The Day of the Lord Brings Justice (Malachi 4:1)

Malachi 4:1 ““For indeed, the day is coming, burning like a furnace, when all the arrogant and everyone who commits wickedness will become stubble. The coming day will consume them,” says the Lord of Hosts, “not leaving them root or branches.”

Subpoint A: The Reality of Judgment

Explanation: Malachi describes the Day of the Lord as “burning like a furnace,” where the arrogant and evildoers will be consumed like stubble. This vivid imagery portrays the completeness of God’s justice—no sin will go unaddressed.

Argumentation: The Bible consistently affirms that God’s judgment is just and holy (Romans 2:5-6). While the world often mocks the idea of divine judgment, scripture assures us that God’s justice is not arbitrary but flows from His perfect character.

Illustration: Imagine a court where all evidence is laid bare, and the judge perfectly discerns truth and guilt. God’s judgment is infinitely more precise and righteous.

Subpoint B: The Warning for the Wicked

Explanation: The “arrogant and evildoers” are those who live in defiance of God’s authority and seek their own ways. Their fate is a reminder of the consequences of rejecting God.

Application: This serves as a wake-up call. Are there areas in your life where you’ve been resisting God’s authority? Repentance today spares us from judgment tomorrow.

Illustration: Think of a field of dry grass catching fire. It spreads quickly, leaving nothing behind. God’s judgment is thorough, but His mercy invites us to turn back before it’s too late.

"If God does not punish sin, He is not a just God. Justice demands accountability."

– John MacArthur

2. The Day of the Lord Brings Healing (Malachi 4:2)

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.”

Subpoint A: The Sun of Righteousness

Explanation: Malachi promises that for those who fear the Lord’s name, the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. This imagery points to Jesus, the Light of the World, who brings restoration and hope to His people.

Argumentation: The healing Christ brings is holistic—it mends the wounds of sin, restores relationships, and reconciles us to God (Isaiah 53:5). The contrast between the righteous and the wicked underscores God’s faithfulness to His people.

Illustration: Just as sunlight brings warmth and growth to a barren landscape, Christ’s presence in our lives brings spiritual vitality and healing.

Subpoint B: The Joy of Redemption

Explanation: The imagery of calves leaping from their stalls evokes uncontainable joy and freedom. This is the experience of those who walk in the light of God’s salvation.

Application: As we reflect on our salvation, does it bring us joy? Are we living as people set free, or are we weighed down by fear and doubt?

Illustration: Picture a prisoner set free after years of captivity. Their first steps into freedom are filled with exhilaration. That is the joy we have in Christ—a joy meant to be shared.

"Jesus Christ is the ultimate answer to all the brokenness of our world. His light heals, restores, and renews." – Tim Keller

3. The Call to Remember and Prepare (Malachi 4:4-6)

Malachi 4:4–6 ““Remember the instruction of Moses My servant, the statutes and ordinances I commanded him at Horeb for all Israel. Look, I am going to send you Elijah the prophet before the great and awesome Day of the Lord comes. And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children and the hearts of children to their fathers. Otherwise, I will come and strike the land with a curse.””

Subpoint A: Remember the Law of Moses

Explanation: Malachi urges the people to remember the covenant given through Moses. This remembrance is not mere nostalgia but an active commitment to live according to God’s commands.

Argumentation: Obedience to God’s Word is central to preparing for His coming. Jesus affirmed this in Matthew 5:17, showing that the law points us to Him.

Illustration: A lighthouse keeps sailors safe by guiding them away from danger. God’s Word serves as our spiritual lighthouse, leading us to safe harbor.

Subpoint B: Prepare for the Messenger

Explanation: The prophecy of Elijah’s return finds its fulfillment in John the Baptist, who called people to repentance and prepared the way for Christ. This call to prepare extends to us as we await Jesus’ return.

Application: Are we living as people who expect Christ’s return? Preparation involves turning our hearts to God and sharing His love with others.

Illustration: Before a wedding, great care is taken to prepare everything perfectly. How much more should we prepare for the return of our King?

"True preparation for Christ’s return begins with a heart that has turned fully to God."

– Billy Graham

"Some people are worth melting for." – Olaf (Frozen)

An illustration of God’s sacrificial love through Christ, whose light brings healing and joy to those who fear Him.

Conclusion: A Day of Decision

The Day of the Lord is coming—a day of justice and healing, judgment and restoration. Malachi’s final words challenge us to choose: Will we live as those who walk in the light, or will we persist in darkness? This is not just a message for the ancient Israelites but for each of us today.

Tonight, as we gather for my ordination, we’ll reflect on God’s call to serve and His faithfulness in equipping us for His purposes. This morning, I invite you to consider your own response to God’s call. Are you ready for the Day of the Lord? Have you placed your trust in Jesus, the Sun of Righteousness who brings healing and joy?

Let us live with the hope and expectation of Christ’s return, walking in obedience and sharing His light with a world in need. Together, we prepare for the glorious day when faith becomes sight, and we see Him face to face.

Closing Prayer:

Pray for readiness and faithfulness in light of God’s promises.

Dedicate the day, including the evening’s ordination, to the glory of God.