Homilist Malachi 4:2 But to you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go forth… I. THE BLESSINGS CHRIST IMPARTS, like those of the sun, ARE OF THE UTMOST VALUE. A sunless landscape is less dismal than a Christless soul; whilst a Christly soul has on it "a light that never shone on sea or land." The blessings of the natural sun and of the Christ are, in many respects, similar. — 1. They are enlightening. Sunrise means daylight. 2. They are restorative. Healing, — for does not the sun's influence on drooping flower and faded face of human weakness but hint Christ's influence on men's hearts and lives? II. THE BLESSINGS CHRIST IMPARTS, like those of the sun, COME TO MEN IN A REMARKABLE MANNER. The sunrise and these "wings" combine to suggest — (1) Certainty; (2) Stillness; (3) Gentleness; (4) Swiftness. So Christ blesses. III. THE BLESSINGS CHRIST IMPARTS, like those of the sun, BRING BENEFITS THAT, IN A LARGE DEGREE, ARE UNIVERSAL. The sun shines on the evil and on the good. What spot of earth does it not, directly or indirectly, reach and bless? So many of Christ's blessings bless all. Is there not through Him — (1) Prolonged probation for the whole human race? (2) "Means of grace" for multitudes still sinners. (3) Holy influences of thought and character that restrain and that tend to elevate? IV. THE BLESSINGS CHRIST IMPARTS, like those of the sun, DEMAND SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR THEIR FULL APPROPRIATION. The best cultivated soil will best utilise the heat and light of the sun. So the soul that in steadfast faith and love turns to the Christ, and with intense desires drinks in all His truth and grace, will be the soul on which will be most evident the healing influences of the great Sun of Righteousness. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: But unto you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and ye shall go forth, and grow up as calves of the stall. |
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