WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:02.000 Amen. 00:00:08.320 --> 00:00:12.720 Wouldn't it be so nice to get away this winter? 00:00:13.380 --> 00:00:14.000 ! 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:32.439 Wouldn't it be lovely to soak up some rays? 00:00:33.560 --> 00:00:35.500 The winter break cell. 00:00:35.659 --> 00:00:37.320 It sounds so appealing, doesn't it? 00:00:37.340 --> 00:00:40.179 Because life is dark. 00:00:41.380 --> 00:00:42.500 And life is cloudy. 00:00:44.060 --> 00:00:46.899 And so is there somewhere that we can escape? 00:00:48.079 --> 00:00:50.600 That we can escape the long winter? 00:00:52.600 --> 00:00:54.299 Forget cheap flights. 00:00:54.799 --> 00:00:56.120 Forget weekend breaks. 00:00:56.120 --> 00:00:59.460 Because Malachi this morning calls us to dream big. 00:01:00.479 --> 00:01:06.319 He calls us to dream big about getting away from it all for good. 00:01:07.840 --> 00:01:12.799 He pictures a day when sunshine will fill this world. 00:01:13.099 --> 00:01:14.960 And God will make that happen. 00:01:15.019 --> 00:01:17.099 If you look at chapter 4 verse 2. 00:01:17.879 --> 00:01:23.400 He says, picture the day when the sun of righteousness shall rise. 00:01:24.039 --> 00:01:25.400 With healing in its wings. 00:01:25.579 --> 00:01:27.219 It's really hard to imagine. 00:01:27.219 --> 00:01:35.359 But he's saying, think of a place with me full of a brightness that will scatter every kind of darkness that you can imagine. 00:01:36.260 --> 00:01:43.079 God promises at the end of Malachi's prophecy there will be a grand conclusion to life in this world. 00:01:43.200 --> 00:01:45.480 A light at the end of the tunnel. 00:01:45.480 --> 00:01:50.480 When God will send to be born in the night by starlight. 00:01:51.260 --> 00:01:55.100 A king whose brightness his people will bask in forever. 00:01:55.099 --> 00:02:02.479 And it will be a brilliant, incandescent, glorious day. 00:02:03.059 --> 00:02:05.039 A sunrise on you. 00:02:05.759 --> 00:02:06.780 And on this world. 00:02:06.919 --> 00:02:08.299 And when this sun appears. 00:02:08.400 --> 00:02:10.359 When this day comes. 00:02:10.900 --> 00:02:13.359 Malachi says three things are going to happen. 00:02:13.360 --> 00:02:19.560 The first thing that's going to happen is that the sunshine will reveal all. 00:02:20.720 --> 00:02:22.700 It will be a revealing sunshine. 00:02:24.200 --> 00:02:27.420 The sunshine will bring everything into light. 00:02:27.540 --> 00:02:29.400 Whether good or bad. 00:02:30.900 --> 00:02:32.700 And as we've gone through Malachi. 00:02:32.900 --> 00:02:35.540 One of the things that we've noticed in the life of God's people. 00:02:35.680 --> 00:02:36.780 Is that they are thinking. 00:02:37.400 --> 00:02:39.520 That God cannot see the difference. 00:02:40.400 --> 00:02:42.040 Between evil and good. 00:02:42.039 --> 00:02:43.759 Do you remember back in chapter 2. 00:02:43.900 --> 00:02:46.340 It was their complaint about him wasn't it. 00:02:46.379 --> 00:02:51.000 They said everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the Lord. 00:02:51.899 --> 00:02:55.379 They were thinking God isn't bothered about right and about wrong. 00:02:55.519 --> 00:02:58.859 And in our section this morning there's a similar sentiment. 00:03:00.199 --> 00:03:06.079 If you look a little bit back from the reading that we had actually in verse 13. 00:03:06.899 --> 00:03:09.959 God says your words have been hard against me. 00:03:09.959 --> 00:03:11.159 And what are they saying? 00:03:11.159 --> 00:03:12.659 Verse 14. 00:03:12.799 --> 00:03:15.620 It is vain to serve God. 00:03:16.939 --> 00:03:22.019 What's the profit of keeping his charge or walking in mourning before the Lord of hosts? 00:03:22.539 --> 00:03:25.819 They were doubting whether it was really worth serving God. 00:03:26.099 --> 00:03:29.139 Because he doesn't seem to treat people fairly. 00:03:30.079 --> 00:03:30.939 Verse 15. 00:03:31.500 --> 00:03:32.939 Evil doers prosper. 00:03:33.199 --> 00:03:34.359 They said. 00:03:34.360 --> 00:03:37.980 They put God to the test and they escape. 00:03:38.100 --> 00:03:43.020 And all through the book we've seen this underlying doubt of God's justice. 00:03:44.040 --> 00:03:48.860 On the face of it that living for him doesn't seem to get you anywhere in this world. 00:03:49.600 --> 00:03:53.060 Now they said we call the arrogant blessed. 00:03:53.060 --> 00:03:58.219 And it is part of the dark world that we live in isn't it? 00:03:58.340 --> 00:04:02.140 Where right and wrong seems muddy on the face of it. 00:04:02.939 --> 00:04:04.699 Good things happen to bad people. 00:04:04.860 --> 00:04:06.560 Bad things happen to good people. 00:04:06.560 --> 00:04:10.840 And God maybe we feel doesn't seem bothered at all. 00:04:10.979 --> 00:04:12.599 So why bother with God? 00:04:13.920 --> 00:04:16.780 And that is a construction that they were making of God. 00:04:16.899 --> 00:04:18.339 Who doesn't care. 00:04:18.500 --> 00:04:19.480 And who isn't generous. 00:04:20.540 --> 00:04:24.259 Who doesn't do good things for people who trust in him. 00:04:24.259 --> 00:04:30.099 And seems to bless people who ignore him and don't live for him. 00:04:32.060 --> 00:04:33.079 Shakes us doesn't it? 00:04:33.139 --> 00:04:37.819 When we see militant atheists having a great life. 00:04:39.060 --> 00:04:42.740 We ask what real advantage is there in being a Christian? 00:04:43.399 --> 00:04:48.480 When I can get rich and I can live life to the full without God. 00:04:49.959 --> 00:04:51.599 But Malachi wants to say to us. 00:04:51.599 --> 00:04:52.699 When that day comes. 00:04:52.800 --> 00:04:53.899 When the sun rises. 00:04:54.259 --> 00:04:55.759 All will be revealed. 00:04:56.019 --> 00:04:58.839 There will be fair and just treatment of everyone. 00:04:59.719 --> 00:05:02.839 The light of this sun will end all doubt. 00:05:03.879 --> 00:05:07.019 And reveal who you really are before God. 00:05:08.099 --> 00:05:09.439 And verse 18 he says. 00:05:09.699 --> 00:05:13.180 And once more on that day you shall see a distinction. 00:05:14.099 --> 00:05:16.039 Between the righteous and the wicked. 00:05:17.639 --> 00:05:19.399 On that day of the sunrise. 00:05:19.399 --> 00:05:22.959 All relationships with God will be made clear. 00:05:22.959 --> 00:05:25.459 And destinies will come to light. 00:05:25.459 --> 00:05:27.500 People will be seen for what they are. 00:05:28.680 --> 00:05:32.079 And among all the varieties of different people there are in the world. 00:05:32.159 --> 00:05:35.120 There will actually only be two groups on that day. 00:05:35.839 --> 00:05:40.560 A distinction will be made between the righteous and the wicked. 00:05:40.560 --> 00:05:48.220 And hypocrisy will be exposed in and outside of God's visible people. 00:05:49.220 --> 00:05:55.860 A distinction between the hardened cynical Israelites of Malachi's day that we've gotten to know. 00:05:55.860 --> 00:05:59.939 And another group who are introduced in verse 16. 00:05:59.939 --> 00:06:01.199 If you look there. 00:06:02.819 --> 00:06:05.020 Those who feared the Lord. 00:06:06.139 --> 00:06:07.480 And spoke with one another. 00:06:08.540 --> 00:06:09.160 There they are. 00:06:09.240 --> 00:06:10.180 This other group. 00:06:10.800 --> 00:06:12.800 They have this kind of meeting don't they? 00:06:12.860 --> 00:06:15.000 They gather together to talk with one another. 00:06:15.160 --> 00:06:17.360 We don't know what they say. 00:06:17.480 --> 00:06:21.460 We haven't got a kind of recording or minutes of the meeting that they had. 00:06:21.459 --> 00:06:26.159 But they seem to be this faithful subgroup within Israel. 00:06:27.239 --> 00:06:28.419 And they are struggling. 00:06:28.599 --> 00:06:31.459 They cannot believe that God is unjust. 00:06:32.439 --> 00:06:34.019 And they fear him. 00:06:34.979 --> 00:06:37.000 And they are looking to him for blessing. 00:06:38.740 --> 00:06:40.299 And what we know is. 00:06:40.339 --> 00:06:41.240 We don't know what they say. 00:06:41.299 --> 00:06:43.519 But we do know what God does as a result. 00:06:43.679 --> 00:06:44.859 He pays attention. 00:06:45.079 --> 00:06:46.819 And he hears them. 00:06:47.359 --> 00:06:48.339 Maybe it was prayer. 00:06:48.339 --> 00:06:50.979 Maybe it was confession together. 00:06:51.459 --> 00:06:56.279 But they are a group that is still waiting and holding on to fair treatment. 00:06:57.159 --> 00:06:58.719 Still fearing God. 00:06:58.879 --> 00:07:00.819 And waiting for blessing from him. 00:07:02.060 --> 00:07:03.599 And they've been faithful to God. 00:07:03.759 --> 00:07:07.099 And they've felt the pressure of the world around them. 00:07:07.279 --> 00:07:08.799 And of cynics around them. 00:07:09.199 --> 00:07:10.299 But they haven't given up. 00:07:10.300 --> 00:07:15.180 And these two groups are going to be distinct. 00:07:16.460 --> 00:07:22.280 Separated and clarified for all to see in the light of this rising sun. 00:07:22.279 --> 00:07:26.339 In the ancient Near East. 00:07:26.799 --> 00:07:29.759 A king or an emperor would keep a book. 00:07:30.699 --> 00:07:34.259 A book of the work of his subjects. 00:07:34.379 --> 00:07:34.979 It was a book. 00:07:35.059 --> 00:07:37.319 It was kind of administrative file really. 00:07:37.879 --> 00:07:46.019 To make sure that any faithfulness of subjects within the empire would be rewarded one day. 00:07:46.019 --> 00:07:48.759 Do you remember in the book of Esther. 00:07:48.759 --> 00:07:49.740 The king. 00:07:50.539 --> 00:07:51.060 Ahasuerus. 00:07:51.159 --> 00:07:52.120 The king of Persia. 00:07:52.279 --> 00:07:54.680 He has his kind of bedtime story. 00:07:54.779 --> 00:07:55.060 Doesn't he. 00:07:55.120 --> 00:07:56.180 What does he like to have. 00:07:56.259 --> 00:07:58.199 The book of the remembrance. 00:07:58.479 --> 00:07:59.759 The book of the chronicles. 00:08:00.120 --> 00:08:02.180 Of the Medes and the Persians. 00:08:02.439 --> 00:08:03.759 And he hears about Mordecai. 00:08:04.839 --> 00:08:05.759 Esther's relative. 00:08:06.120 --> 00:08:08.759 And he rewards and rescues Mordecai. 00:08:09.620 --> 00:08:11.199 For his faithfulness. 00:08:12.500 --> 00:08:15.139 And we're told that on this day when the sun rises. 00:08:15.300 --> 00:08:17.439 God has a book like that. 00:08:17.519 --> 00:08:18.219 Verse 16. 00:08:18.279 --> 00:08:19.219 A book of remembrance. 00:08:19.579 --> 00:08:20.819 And he's going to open it. 00:08:21.779 --> 00:08:25.300 And the names of people who fear him are written there. 00:08:26.199 --> 00:08:27.719 And they will receive honour. 00:08:28.939 --> 00:08:31.019 And recognition from him. 00:08:32.100 --> 00:08:36.419 They will be brought together and made into a treasured possession. 00:08:36.720 --> 00:08:37.419 Verse 17. 00:08:37.419 --> 00:08:40.500 God says that I will spare them in that day. 00:08:40.679 --> 00:08:43.459 As a man spares his own son. 00:08:44.699 --> 00:08:46.719 Those who truly fear him. 00:08:46.959 --> 00:08:48.839 On that day will glisten. 00:08:50.039 --> 00:08:52.779 And they will be set amongst the crown jewels. 00:08:54.199 --> 00:08:58.319 The Christian who waits for help from accusers. 00:08:58.439 --> 00:09:01.659 The believer who's been rejected by family. 00:09:02.620 --> 00:09:05.599 The Christian at school who is different. 00:09:05.600 --> 00:09:09.580 And looks to God for help with hope. 00:09:09.740 --> 00:09:11.860 God's people who meet in secret. 00:09:12.700 --> 00:09:13.460 In caves. 00:09:13.639 --> 00:09:14.779 And who hide in fear. 00:09:15.139 --> 00:09:17.019 Will be remembered and spared. 00:09:17.300 --> 00:09:18.040 And dignified. 00:09:19.240 --> 00:09:22.879 And on that day there will be no more doubting God's sense of justice. 00:09:23.019 --> 00:09:26.139 Because people will be treated absolutely fairly. 00:09:26.139 --> 00:09:28.240 And on that day there will be no more doubt. 00:09:28.240 --> 00:09:29.240 And on that day there will be no more doubt. 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:29.240 00:09:29.240 --> 00:09:32.980 And that distinction is the only one that matters. 00:09:33.100 --> 00:09:34.439 The righteous and the wicked. 00:09:35.819 --> 00:09:40.080 And the only thing that matters is which group you are in on that day. 00:09:41.779 --> 00:09:43.779 The sun will reveal all. 00:09:44.000 --> 00:09:46.679 And there are two more things that are going to happen at the sunrise. 00:09:46.679 --> 00:09:50.359 The next thing that will happen for one group. 00:09:51.399 --> 00:09:54.239 Is that it will be a burning sunshine. 00:09:55.439 --> 00:09:57.279 It will be a burning sunshine. 00:09:57.859 --> 00:10:00.739 Sun, sunshine can have two effects on you, can't it? 00:10:01.959 --> 00:10:05.399 The sun, it brings life and energy. 00:10:05.599 --> 00:10:07.539 Without the sun we would die, wouldn't we? 00:10:07.599 --> 00:10:08.839 The world would die. 00:10:08.840 --> 00:10:12.940 But the same sun, if you're in a desert. 00:10:14.620 --> 00:10:16.040 It can burn. 00:10:16.519 --> 00:10:17.600 And it can kill. 00:10:19.000 --> 00:10:21.360 Just look at chapter 4 verse 1. 00:10:22.639 --> 00:10:25.940 The day, that same day when the sun appears. 00:10:26.920 --> 00:10:30.460 Malachi says, is burning like an oven. 00:10:31.759 --> 00:10:35.000 The arrogant and evildoers will be stubble. 00:10:35.000 --> 00:10:40.080 That day is coming and it shall set them ablaze. 00:10:40.659 --> 00:10:42.120 Says the Lord of haste. 00:10:43.919 --> 00:10:48.299 He speaks of the final removal of one group. 00:10:48.519 --> 00:10:48.940 Doesn't he? 00:10:49.159 --> 00:10:50.080 In that distinction. 00:10:51.419 --> 00:10:52.600 In this oven. 00:10:53.200 --> 00:10:55.539 With no chance of life again. 00:10:55.639 --> 00:11:01.259 You see he says that this burning will neither leave root or branch. 00:11:01.259 --> 00:11:06.439 It will be total and complete. 00:11:06.700 --> 00:11:07.960 With no way back. 00:11:09.419 --> 00:11:14.740 Remember the images of those fires in Australia and America over the hot summer that we had. 00:11:15.480 --> 00:11:17.139 Imagine it like that. 00:11:17.319 --> 00:11:22.919 It is that these people will be like the stubble that kind of gets left on their fields. 00:11:23.600 --> 00:11:24.480 In a hot country. 00:11:24.720 --> 00:11:25.580 And what happens? 00:11:25.720 --> 00:11:27.580 The sun gets so hot, doesn't it? 00:11:27.580 --> 00:11:31.680 And maybe it reflects off a piece of metal somewhere and it catches. 00:11:32.700 --> 00:11:36.080 And that stubble, it's just combustible. 00:11:36.639 --> 00:11:38.280 Just bursts into flames. 00:11:39.360 --> 00:11:41.680 And one group will be like that on that day. 00:11:42.720 --> 00:11:45.620 It will be a final consumption of wickedness. 00:11:45.720 --> 00:11:47.060 But not just wickedness. 00:11:48.120 --> 00:11:49.360 Wicked people. 00:11:49.360 --> 00:11:53.220 It will set them ablaze. 00:11:55.539 --> 00:11:57.680 Strangely this day of light. 00:11:58.980 --> 00:12:01.899 For some it will be very, very dark. 00:12:03.960 --> 00:12:07.480 Elsewhere in the Bible the prophet Isaiah speaks of the same day. 00:12:07.620 --> 00:12:08.720 The day of the Lord. 00:12:09.500 --> 00:12:12.740 And he describes it using the absence of light. 00:12:12.740 --> 00:12:17.220 He says on that day the stars of heaven will not give their light. 00:12:17.700 --> 00:12:22.039 And the sun will be dark at its rising. 00:12:22.860 --> 00:12:24.600 And the moon will not shed its light. 00:12:24.980 --> 00:12:31.779 The light of this sun on this day that is coming will not be pleasant and warming. 00:12:31.779 --> 00:12:36.819 It will be a kind of dark light for them. 00:12:36.959 --> 00:12:38.240 A sorry light. 00:12:39.279 --> 00:12:40.459 A burning light. 00:12:42.059 --> 00:12:45.279 John Milton in his novel Paradise Lost. 00:12:45.519 --> 00:12:48.259 He describes it as one great furnace flamed. 00:12:48.419 --> 00:12:51.600 Yet from those flames no light. 00:12:52.500 --> 00:12:54.899 But rather darkness visible. 00:12:55.860 --> 00:12:58.600 Served only to discover sights of woe. 00:12:58.600 --> 00:13:04.879 Because God will show on that day that right and wrong does matter to him. 00:13:05.879 --> 00:13:10.000 And all those causing evil and wrong will be removed forever. 00:13:11.240 --> 00:13:15.540 And the only thing that matters is which group you're in on that day. 00:13:15.600 --> 00:13:17.960 The righteous or the wicked. 00:13:19.700 --> 00:13:23.940 There's a lovely piece of prose in Charles Dickens' Oliver Twist. 00:13:24.340 --> 00:13:27.779 After the character Bill Sykes commits murder. 00:13:27.779 --> 00:13:29.720 It's a really grisly episode. 00:13:30.419 --> 00:13:32.779 And he's trying to kind of hide his crime. 00:13:33.279 --> 00:13:34.600 He does it at night time. 00:13:35.100 --> 00:13:38.159 But as the sun rises his crime is exposed. 00:13:39.240 --> 00:13:40.039 Dickens writes, 00:13:40.039 --> 00:13:53.120 The bright sun that brings back not light alone but new life and hope and freshness to man burst upon the crowded city in clear and radiant glory. 00:13:54.120 --> 00:13:58.139 Through costly coloured glass and paper mended window. 00:13:58.679 --> 00:14:02.079 Through cathedral dome and rotten crevice. 00:14:02.080 --> 00:14:04.480 It shed its equal ray. 00:14:04.480 --> 00:14:07.180 And he tried to shut it out. 00:14:07.440 --> 00:14:09.240 But it would stream in. 00:14:10.040 --> 00:14:12.940 If the sight had been a ghastly one in the dull night. 00:14:13.259 --> 00:14:16.360 What was it now in that brilliant light? 00:14:16.780 --> 00:14:18.520 The message for Sykes. 00:14:18.639 --> 00:14:21.560 It won't matter what sort of windows you've got. 00:14:22.420 --> 00:14:25.100 The light will flood in all the same. 00:14:25.100 --> 00:14:33.560 And that same sun which brings life to some will expose him. 00:14:35.240 --> 00:14:37.220 And it won't matter whether you're rich. 00:14:37.899 --> 00:14:40.019 Whether you're upper class or lower class. 00:14:40.139 --> 00:14:41.820 Which caste you come from. 00:14:42.700 --> 00:14:45.259 If you live life and work in a cathedral. 00:14:45.920 --> 00:14:47.040 Or in a cave. 00:14:47.139 --> 00:14:51.100 Whether you're outwardly part of Israel or not. 00:14:51.100 --> 00:14:54.480 The sun will rise with its equal ray. 00:14:55.480 --> 00:14:57.000 And bring us into judgment. 00:14:58.759 --> 00:15:01.500 And sun will be burnt by it. 00:15:02.940 --> 00:15:04.759 He calls them the wicked. 00:15:05.879 --> 00:15:07.460 They will be set ablaze. 00:15:07.680 --> 00:15:09.420 It's horrific language isn't it? 00:15:09.860 --> 00:15:10.700 It's just terrible. 00:15:12.200 --> 00:15:16.560 And what we are hearing here in Malachi is a description of a reality. 00:15:17.240 --> 00:15:20.700 The Bible and Jesus Christ called hell. 00:15:21.879 --> 00:15:26.080 Jesus teaches more about it than we like to think that he does. 00:15:26.659 --> 00:15:28.259 And we don't like it do we? 00:15:28.420 --> 00:15:30.960 But not liking it doesn't make it untrue. 00:15:32.399 --> 00:15:34.920 We wonder if God is so loving. 00:15:35.100 --> 00:15:37.139 If he cares so much about right and wrong. 00:15:37.240 --> 00:15:39.779 Then how can he send people to this place? 00:15:40.720 --> 00:15:42.620 How can he act in this way? 00:15:44.180 --> 00:15:47.040 And the Bible says God is loving doesn't it? 00:15:47.040 --> 00:15:48.019 God is love. 00:15:48.019 --> 00:15:53.879 But the Bible also tells us that he does send some people to hell. 00:15:55.079 --> 00:15:58.600 And one reason for that is that even though God is loving. 00:15:58.980 --> 00:16:00.980 God does not love everything. 00:16:02.539 --> 00:16:06.720 God loves but he also hates many things. 00:16:07.639 --> 00:16:08.799 He hates pride. 00:16:09.759 --> 00:16:11.279 He hates murder. 00:16:11.460 --> 00:16:12.519 He hates lying. 00:16:12.519 --> 00:16:18.079 He hates false worship of gods that should not be worshipped. 00:16:19.299 --> 00:16:22.939 He doesn't love child abuse does he? 00:16:23.960 --> 00:16:24.779 Or stealing. 00:16:25.019 --> 00:16:26.500 He doesn't love everything. 00:16:27.379 --> 00:16:27.840 Thankfully. 00:16:28.679 --> 00:16:30.360 He hates some things. 00:16:30.360 --> 00:16:35.600 And God promises to do something about all those things that he hates. 00:16:36.740 --> 00:16:42.800 He promises on that day nothing will dull the sunshine of his goodness. 00:16:43.899 --> 00:16:45.960 And all evil will be removed. 00:16:47.740 --> 00:16:51.019 And so the only thing that matters on that day is which group you're in. 00:16:51.700 --> 00:16:53.759 The righteous or the wicked. 00:16:53.759 --> 00:16:58.480 Since the final thing that will happen for the remaining group. 00:16:58.580 --> 00:17:00.039 The sun will reveal all. 00:17:00.679 --> 00:17:02.460 The sun will burn the wicked. 00:17:02.580 --> 00:17:07.079 But then the sun thirdly will heal the righteous. 00:17:08.359 --> 00:17:10.200 It will be a healing sun. 00:17:10.200 --> 00:17:13.380 In the ancient world. 00:17:13.500 --> 00:17:16.200 That kind of great big disc that's in the sky. 00:17:16.660 --> 00:17:18.580 That we get all this heat from. 00:17:19.680 --> 00:17:21.539 It gives out rays doesn't it. 00:17:21.620 --> 00:17:27.620 And it was pictured in the ancient world as this kind of disc with wings coming from it. 00:17:28.740 --> 00:17:33.059 And these wings were the rays of the sun sort of touching the earth. 00:17:33.819 --> 00:17:35.580 And warming it and giving it life. 00:17:35.579 --> 00:17:40.079 And for the remaining group on this day. 00:17:40.179 --> 00:17:43.339 The rays of this sun will touch them. 00:17:44.500 --> 00:17:46.899 And they won't burn or destroy. 00:17:47.859 --> 00:17:48.759 But verse 3. 00:17:48.859 --> 00:17:49.019 Look. 00:17:49.099 --> 00:17:55.000 The sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its wings. 00:17:56.579 --> 00:18:00.299 That same sun will have a totally different effect on them. 00:18:00.299 --> 00:18:05.480 And Malachi says it will be like newborn calves on a spring morning. 00:18:05.579 --> 00:18:06.220 Picture them. 00:18:06.699 --> 00:18:08.759 Kind of a newborn calf. 00:18:09.319 --> 00:18:09.759 Shivering. 00:18:10.319 --> 00:18:11.139 Kind of as they do. 00:18:11.240 --> 00:18:11.480 Isn't it? 00:18:12.039 --> 00:18:13.279 In the barn. 00:18:13.740 --> 00:18:15.879 And then they're released. 00:18:16.799 --> 00:18:19.779 And they're dried off in the warm sun. 00:18:20.379 --> 00:18:21.659 And they kind of wobble around. 00:18:21.720 --> 00:18:22.119 Don't they? 00:18:22.199 --> 00:18:23.179 Sort of all clumsy. 00:18:23.939 --> 00:18:25.460 That kind of Bambi image. 00:18:25.679 --> 00:18:27.439 But then when they get into the sun. 00:18:27.439 --> 00:18:28.919 They kind of warm up. 00:18:29.379 --> 00:18:31.299 And get this new lease of life. 00:18:31.460 --> 00:18:32.960 And they start leaping around. 00:18:32.960 --> 00:18:35.579 And for this group. 00:18:35.680 --> 00:18:36.860 For those who fear God. 00:18:36.980 --> 00:18:38.200 It'll be like that. 00:18:39.460 --> 00:18:40.799 You'll be like that. 00:18:41.700 --> 00:18:42.779 All the aches. 00:18:42.920 --> 00:18:43.740 And all the pains. 00:18:44.680 --> 00:18:46.019 The popping joints. 00:18:47.019 --> 00:18:48.240 The tired muscles. 00:18:48.559 --> 00:18:49.519 The dodgy hips. 00:18:50.400 --> 00:18:51.180 The sciatica. 00:18:52.460 --> 00:18:53.799 You'll be hurdling. 00:18:54.700 --> 00:18:56.180 And you'll be warm. 00:18:56.180 --> 00:19:00.740 It'll be a sunshine of physical healing. 00:19:00.860 --> 00:19:02.539 But not just physical healing. 00:19:03.980 --> 00:19:04.820 Because actually. 00:19:05.000 --> 00:19:07.460 What kind of sunshine do we really need? 00:19:08.640 --> 00:19:10.259 What kind of sunshine do you need? 00:19:10.340 --> 00:19:13.140 What sort of sunshine does Drayton Green need? 00:19:14.500 --> 00:19:17.340 The sunshine that we had over the summer was nice. 00:19:17.340 --> 00:19:17.880 Wasn't it? 00:19:18.039 --> 00:19:19.700 But it's kind of gone now. 00:19:19.940 --> 00:19:20.600 And in a way. 00:19:20.740 --> 00:19:21.920 We haven't changed. 00:19:21.980 --> 00:19:22.680 Because of it. 00:19:22.680 --> 00:19:26.440 Would taking all of us now. 00:19:26.539 --> 00:19:29.620 If we could kind of pay for a flight to Hawaii. 00:19:30.299 --> 00:19:31.320 For the week there. 00:19:31.600 --> 00:19:32.380 It would be nice. 00:19:32.440 --> 00:19:32.720 Wouldn't it? 00:19:32.799 --> 00:19:34.220 But would that do it? 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:37.140 Would that solve all of our problems when we came back? 00:19:38.400 --> 00:19:40.380 Will a winter break do it? 00:19:40.779 --> 00:19:44.380 What really is the problem that we need sorting out? 00:19:44.380 --> 00:19:47.440 Well we seem discovered don't we? 00:19:47.500 --> 00:19:48.420 That in life. 00:19:48.620 --> 00:19:51.040 The darkness is not just out there. 00:19:51.940 --> 00:19:53.300 But it's in here. 00:19:54.840 --> 00:19:57.540 The darkness lingers in our lives. 00:19:57.700 --> 00:20:01.480 And so what we need is not just ultraviolet rays. 00:20:02.980 --> 00:20:06.560 We need the rays of a different kind. 00:20:06.559 --> 00:20:11.899 And thankfully this is the sun isn't it? 00:20:11.980 --> 00:20:14.019 Of righteousness. 00:20:16.779 --> 00:20:18.460 We need to be changed. 00:20:19.759 --> 00:20:25.319 We need the kind of light that is going to rid the shadows of our hearts. 00:20:25.500 --> 00:20:26.799 And of our sinfulness. 00:20:26.799 --> 00:20:34.259 And so this is the day when the world will bask in absolute goodness. 00:20:35.419 --> 00:20:36.259 And justice. 00:20:36.599 --> 00:20:38.539 And there won't be a shadow of wrong anywhere. 00:20:39.980 --> 00:20:42.200 There won't be any more dark corners. 00:20:43.359 --> 00:20:46.819 The clouds morally and spiritually will scatter. 00:20:46.819 --> 00:20:53.579 And I think that is what Malachi 4 verse 4 to 6 is about. 00:20:53.740 --> 00:20:55.000 They're funny verses aren't they? 00:20:55.779 --> 00:21:00.980 Notice in verse 4 the command to keep the law of Moses on Mount Horeb. 00:21:01.740 --> 00:21:03.039 That's the ten commandments. 00:21:03.859 --> 00:21:10.039 The law given to bring life and to sustain life amongst God's people. 00:21:11.379 --> 00:21:15.200 But on this day the life that the law of God commands will be kept. 00:21:15.200 --> 00:21:20.240 And there will be an integrity of obedience from generation to generation. 00:21:20.460 --> 00:21:22.240 I think that is what verse 5 is about. 00:21:22.940 --> 00:21:23.559 Look at that. 00:21:24.559 --> 00:21:28.519 Behold I'll send you Elijah the prophet before the great Norton day of the Lord. 00:21:29.200 --> 00:21:32.259 And he will turn the hearts of fathers to their children. 00:21:33.140 --> 00:21:35.480 And the hearts of children to their fathers. 00:21:35.740 --> 00:21:39.240 Lest I come and strike the land with a decree of destruction. 00:21:39.680 --> 00:21:43.940 There are lots of interpretations as to what this verse is going on about. 00:21:43.940 --> 00:21:49.039 Some say that this is John the Baptist. 00:21:49.259 --> 00:21:50.059 Which I think it is. 00:21:50.200 --> 00:21:52.920 Luke 1 refers to him doing this. 00:21:53.440 --> 00:21:55.799 Turning the hearts of the fathers to the children. 00:21:56.299 --> 00:21:57.860 And the children to their fathers. 00:21:58.600 --> 00:21:59.940 Speaking of John the Baptist. 00:22:00.140 --> 00:22:04.779 And some think that he is going to somehow bring families together. 00:22:05.279 --> 00:22:07.940 And that's going to be part of his ministry. 00:22:07.940 --> 00:22:11.120 I don't want to discount that. 00:22:11.259 --> 00:22:14.140 But I think maybe that is to miss the point here. 00:22:14.920 --> 00:22:19.700 Because we need to think like an ancient Near Eastern Israelite family. 00:22:20.980 --> 00:22:29.120 We need to see how important the family and the generations were in keeping relationship with God. 00:22:29.119 --> 00:22:33.379 And the kind of sustaining obedience of his word. 00:22:34.579 --> 00:22:38.819 The Bible word for this relationship is covenant. 00:22:40.479 --> 00:22:45.739 And the prophets were sent to make sure that people kept that covenant with God. 00:22:46.439 --> 00:22:47.559 In that relationship. 00:22:47.559 --> 00:22:49.859 Of obeying his law. 00:22:49.980 --> 00:22:51.019 Of trusting in him. 00:22:51.659 --> 00:22:53.279 Thanking him for rescue. 00:22:54.079 --> 00:22:55.779 And living in response. 00:22:56.579 --> 00:22:59.799 And a sign of a good covenant relationship with God. 00:23:00.279 --> 00:23:03.480 Was when it was sustained along the generations. 00:23:04.960 --> 00:23:08.379 The fathers teaching the children the ways of the Lord. 00:23:08.519 --> 00:23:10.220 It was essential wasn't it? 00:23:10.220 --> 00:23:14.559 Parents were to teach their children what the Passover meant. 00:23:15.660 --> 00:23:17.259 They were to instruct their children. 00:23:17.440 --> 00:23:21.220 And the children were to listen and receive wise instruction. 00:23:21.860 --> 00:23:23.180 From their mothers and fathers. 00:23:24.360 --> 00:23:26.960 Children were to obey their fathers and mothers. 00:23:28.500 --> 00:23:33.100 And part of the darkness of their story as the people of God. 00:23:33.100 --> 00:23:38.299 Is that generational chain of obedience to God's law has been broken. 00:23:38.299 --> 00:23:41.859 One generation might serve the Lord. 00:23:41.980 --> 00:23:44.339 But the next might fall away. 00:23:45.519 --> 00:23:47.299 Remember back in chapter 3. 00:23:47.440 --> 00:23:50.399 God's goal in sending the Lord Jesus Christ. 00:23:50.960 --> 00:23:52.240 As this refiner. 00:23:52.579 --> 00:23:57.240 Is to relink the intergenerational chain of worship. 00:23:58.279 --> 00:24:00.539 He says in chapter 3 in verse 4. 00:24:01.539 --> 00:24:04.839 Then your offering will be pleasing to the Lord. 00:24:04.940 --> 00:24:06.639 As in the days of old. 00:24:08.299 --> 00:24:10.119 Back when your fathers did it. 00:24:11.919 --> 00:24:13.779 This is my stab at verse 5. 00:24:13.879 --> 00:24:16.659 I think that the fathers turning towards the children. 00:24:16.659 --> 00:24:19.339 Is about passing on the legacy. 00:24:19.960 --> 00:24:22.659 Of holy obedience and worship. 00:24:23.019 --> 00:24:25.419 And the children turning to their fathers. 00:24:25.659 --> 00:24:26.559 Is a receiving. 00:24:27.440 --> 00:24:29.559 And confirming of that legacy. 00:24:30.559 --> 00:24:32.399 Where children's hearts. 00:24:32.579 --> 00:24:35.599 Will look to the God of their parents. 00:24:35.599 --> 00:24:36.939 And parents' hearts. 00:24:36.939 --> 00:24:39.719 Will teach and train children in the gospel. 00:24:41.480 --> 00:24:42.939 And so what this day signifies. 00:24:43.819 --> 00:24:45.779 What this sunshine signifies. 00:24:46.699 --> 00:24:49.159 Is a day when there will be unified. 00:24:49.799 --> 00:24:51.299 And perfected. 00:24:52.019 --> 00:24:54.219 Ongoing obedience to God's covenant. 00:24:55.219 --> 00:24:56.639 In a relationship with him. 00:24:56.799 --> 00:24:57.939 And John the Baptist. 00:24:58.759 --> 00:25:00.740 Will usher this age in. 00:25:00.740 --> 00:25:04.579 It will be a day that God's promises. 00:25:05.519 --> 00:25:06.160 Are kept. 00:25:06.279 --> 00:25:07.339 That he will act. 00:25:08.059 --> 00:25:08.779 On this day. 00:25:08.940 --> 00:25:10.279 And all will be revealed. 00:25:11.259 --> 00:25:13.059 All wrongs will be put right. 00:25:14.259 --> 00:25:16.059 He will remove all wickedness. 00:25:16.200 --> 00:25:18.019 And restore those who fear him. 00:25:19.160 --> 00:25:22.120 And those people will live in purity. 00:25:22.119 --> 00:25:24.399 And goodness and righteousness forever. 00:25:27.779 --> 00:25:28.839 In a few moments. 00:25:28.979 --> 00:25:30.779 We're going to sing the famous carol. 00:25:30.879 --> 00:25:31.699 Hark the Herald. 00:25:32.939 --> 00:25:34.439 If you just look at that hymn. 00:25:35.000 --> 00:25:36.319 Just on your service sheets. 00:25:37.879 --> 00:25:38.879 I just want to say that. 00:25:39.000 --> 00:25:40.539 There is not a typo. 00:25:40.859 --> 00:25:42.599 In verse 3. 00:25:43.879 --> 00:25:45.819 Second line of verse 3. 00:25:46.859 --> 00:25:49.079 Hail the son of righteousness. 00:25:49.079 --> 00:25:52.299 That is not a mistake. 00:25:54.299 --> 00:25:56.059 Light and life to all. 00:25:56.399 --> 00:25:56.960 He brings. 00:25:57.119 --> 00:25:58.919 Risen with healing in his wings. 00:25:59.159 --> 00:26:00.319 That is a direct quote. 00:26:00.460 --> 00:26:01.539 From Malachi 4. 00:26:02.460 --> 00:26:04.299 And it's talking there isn't it. 00:26:04.339 --> 00:26:05.199 About the son. 00:26:05.339 --> 00:26:06.319 S-U-N. 00:26:06.659 --> 00:26:07.659 As in the sunshine. 00:26:08.599 --> 00:26:10.359 Not the son. 00:26:10.460 --> 00:26:11.240 S-O-N. 00:26:11.639 --> 00:26:12.319 Of a father. 00:26:13.759 --> 00:26:15.480 But the context of the carol. 00:26:15.480 --> 00:26:17.699 Shows that Wesley actually gets. 00:26:17.700 --> 00:26:19.580 That's what Malachi 4 is about. 00:26:20.900 --> 00:26:23.319 Because as we see this day approaching. 00:26:23.500 --> 00:26:24.680 Closer in the New Testament. 00:26:24.880 --> 00:26:26.680 We realise that the sunshine. 00:26:27.380 --> 00:26:29.860 Risen with healing in its wings. 00:26:30.880 --> 00:26:32.460 Is not an it. 00:26:33.600 --> 00:26:34.920 But it's a hymn. 00:26:36.880 --> 00:26:39.539 He is the heaven born prince of peace. 00:26:40.960 --> 00:26:42.279 And at the incarnation. 00:26:42.279 --> 00:26:43.380 The sun. 00:26:43.920 --> 00:26:46.299 Begins to peek over the horizon. 00:26:46.299 --> 00:26:47.799 And we see a glimpse. 00:26:47.799 --> 00:26:49.500 Of what is to come on this day. 00:26:51.000 --> 00:26:52.940 And it's going to happen. 00:26:54.119 --> 00:26:56.779 A day when those who fear the Lord. 00:26:57.759 --> 00:26:59.919 Amidst all this doubt and cynicism. 00:27:00.119 --> 00:27:01.019 Those who fear him. 00:27:01.259 --> 00:27:02.740 Like Mary and Joseph. 00:27:03.579 --> 00:27:04.259 And Elizabeth. 00:27:04.659 --> 00:27:05.399 And Zechariah. 00:27:05.539 --> 00:27:06.399 And Simeon. 00:27:06.500 --> 00:27:09.039 Who was waiting for the consolation of Israel. 00:27:09.460 --> 00:27:12.419 Will be rewarded with the appearance of a saviour. 00:27:12.420 --> 00:27:15.380 With healing in his wings. 00:27:16.519 --> 00:27:17.600 And for a time. 00:27:17.740 --> 00:27:19.080 They will bask. 00:27:19.680 --> 00:27:20.759 In his rays. 00:27:20.940 --> 00:27:22.300 Many will be healed. 00:27:23.120 --> 00:27:24.060 And welcomed. 00:27:25.620 --> 00:27:27.500 But others will be scolded. 00:27:27.759 --> 00:27:28.400 And burnt. 00:27:28.620 --> 00:27:29.920 And rejected by Jesus. 00:27:29.920 --> 00:27:32.680 It is a glimpse. 00:27:32.680 --> 00:27:32.680 00:27:32.759 --> 00:27:33.140 Isn't it. 00:27:33.220 --> 00:27:34.019 In the life. 00:27:34.140 --> 00:27:34.720 And the ministry. 00:27:34.720 --> 00:27:35.800 Of the Lord Jesus. 00:27:35.960 --> 00:27:36.880 Of a glimpse. 00:27:36.880 --> 00:27:37.740 Of this day. 00:27:37.840 --> 00:27:39.120 When it comes in its fullest. 00:27:40.620 --> 00:27:41.800 And we see this day. 00:27:42.440 --> 00:27:43.680 John tells us of it. 00:27:43.700 --> 00:27:45.000 In Revelation 21. 00:27:46.060 --> 00:27:47.900 When the Lord Jesus returns. 00:27:48.019 --> 00:27:48.940 And he brings. 00:27:49.140 --> 00:27:50.700 His people to himself. 00:27:50.820 --> 00:27:52.519 As his prized possession. 00:27:52.740 --> 00:27:53.820 In that place. 00:27:54.480 --> 00:27:56.480 There will be no need of sun. 00:27:56.560 --> 00:27:57.100 He says. 00:27:57.099 --> 00:28:00.079 For the glory of God. 00:28:00.159 --> 00:28:01.059 Will give it light. 00:28:02.139 --> 00:28:03.299 And its lamp. 00:28:03.579 --> 00:28:04.319 This place. 00:28:04.480 --> 00:28:05.639 Is the lamb. 00:28:07.719 --> 00:28:09.799 God doesn't love everything. 00:28:11.139 --> 00:28:11.699 And actually. 00:28:11.799 --> 00:28:13.219 The more you think about that. 00:28:13.339 --> 00:28:15.579 The more you think about our own lives. 00:28:15.719 --> 00:28:16.719 The more we realise. 00:28:16.719 --> 00:28:18.319 That what he loves. 00:28:18.519 --> 00:28:19.359 And what he hates. 00:28:19.539 --> 00:28:21.740 That the more difficult it gets for us. 00:28:21.799 --> 00:28:22.219 Doesn't it. 00:28:23.679 --> 00:28:24.299 And actually. 00:28:24.679 --> 00:28:26.819 The hotter the sun might feel. 00:28:27.099 --> 00:28:31.039 Which group we are in on that day. 00:28:31.119 --> 00:28:32.439 Is the big question. 00:28:33.679 --> 00:28:34.819 Which group do we. 00:28:34.879 --> 00:28:36.199 Do we deserve to be in. 00:28:37.439 --> 00:28:38.599 He is a God of love. 00:28:38.679 --> 00:28:39.899 But he doesn't love everything. 00:28:40.079 --> 00:28:41.139 He doesn't love pride. 00:28:42.119 --> 00:28:43.359 He doesn't love anger. 00:28:43.480 --> 00:28:44.480 He doesn't love envy. 00:28:44.740 --> 00:28:45.879 Or selfishness. 00:28:47.219 --> 00:28:47.980 And as we. 00:28:48.099 --> 00:28:49.439 As we think about our own lives. 00:28:49.559 --> 00:28:51.159 That hot sun. 00:28:51.319 --> 00:28:51.699 Feels. 00:28:52.379 --> 00:28:52.740 Hot. 00:28:52.799 --> 00:28:53.139 Doesn't it. 00:28:53.179 --> 00:28:54.119 On us. 00:28:54.119 --> 00:28:55.779 That the truth is. 00:28:55.779 --> 00:28:58.039 None of us deserve to be his treasured possession. 00:28:58.559 --> 00:29:00.399 To be spared like a son. 00:29:00.899 --> 00:29:02.699 Spared by a father on that day. 00:29:04.019 --> 00:29:05.559 And you remember those forest fires. 00:29:05.559 --> 00:29:06.639 That we thought about earlier. 00:29:07.519 --> 00:29:08.379 In the summer. 00:29:08.779 --> 00:29:09.699 And it's quite interesting. 00:29:09.879 --> 00:29:10.099 One. 00:29:11.199 --> 00:29:11.639 Family. 00:29:11.799 --> 00:29:12.459 Had a house. 00:29:12.699 --> 00:29:13.159 I think it was. 00:29:13.459 --> 00:29:14.379 Where was it? 00:29:14.399 --> 00:29:14.979 In California. 00:29:14.979 --> 00:29:15.459 Wasn't it? 00:29:15.460 --> 00:29:16.779 They had a house. 00:29:16.980 --> 00:29:17.640 And they realised. 00:29:17.740 --> 00:29:18.500 The only way. 00:29:18.640 --> 00:29:19.480 That they could avoid. 00:29:19.620 --> 00:29:20.620 The great fire. 00:29:20.740 --> 00:29:22.120 Coming towards their home. 00:29:22.819 --> 00:29:24.400 Was to start another fire. 00:29:25.120 --> 00:29:25.940 It's really interesting. 00:29:26.200 --> 00:29:27.539 They kind of set this fire. 00:29:28.160 --> 00:29:29.180 Around their house. 00:29:30.079 --> 00:29:30.900 They realised. 00:29:31.039 --> 00:29:31.840 That the only way. 00:29:31.900 --> 00:29:32.420 They could do it. 00:29:32.460 --> 00:29:33.579 Was to kind of burn up. 00:29:33.680 --> 00:29:34.160 The fuel. 00:29:34.279 --> 00:29:35.259 Before the big fire. 00:29:35.380 --> 00:29:35.860 Got there. 00:29:36.799 --> 00:29:37.880 And when the big fire. 00:29:37.960 --> 00:29:38.340 Got there. 00:29:38.340 --> 00:29:39.360 It would kind of come to. 00:29:39.559 --> 00:29:40.600 This scorched ground. 00:29:40.840 --> 00:29:41.680 And it would just stop. 00:29:41.900 --> 00:29:42.420 Right there. 00:29:42.420 --> 00:29:46.420 There is only one place. 00:29:46.420 --> 00:29:47.380 That you can stand. 00:29:47.380 --> 00:29:48.380 In the sun. 00:29:48.900 --> 00:29:50.560 And not get burnt. 00:29:50.740 --> 00:29:51.500 On that day. 00:29:52.580 --> 00:29:53.840 It's in the place. 00:29:53.920 --> 00:29:55.420 That's already been burnt. 00:29:57.039 --> 00:29:57.860 And God. 00:29:58.039 --> 00:29:58.600 Amazingly. 00:29:58.660 --> 00:29:59.240 In the person. 00:29:59.380 --> 00:30:00.420 Of Jesus Christ. 00:30:00.539 --> 00:30:01.240 He comes. 00:30:02.160 --> 00:30:04.100 To take our darkness. 00:30:04.240 --> 00:30:04.560 Doesn't he? 00:30:04.620 --> 00:30:05.680 And he takes it. 00:30:05.680 --> 00:30:06.620 Into the light. 00:30:06.720 --> 00:30:07.500 Of God's judgment. 00:30:08.519 --> 00:30:10.279 And it burns him. 00:30:11.039 --> 00:30:11.779 To death. 00:30:12.420 --> 00:30:15.180 He is set ablaze. 00:30:16.140 --> 00:30:17.259 In judgment. 00:30:18.120 --> 00:30:18.940 As he dies. 00:30:20.340 --> 00:30:22.259 And he is the son. 00:30:23.160 --> 00:30:24.920 Who was not spared. 00:30:26.220 --> 00:30:28.380 But was given up for us all. 00:30:29.880 --> 00:30:31.440 So that you and I. 00:30:31.900 --> 00:30:32.759 Who are wicked. 00:30:33.940 --> 00:30:35.660 Might be amongst the righteous. 00:30:37.360 --> 00:30:38.019 And one day. 00:30:38.100 --> 00:30:38.960 When he returns. 00:30:39.100 --> 00:30:40.240 All will be revealed. 00:30:40.360 --> 00:30:41.019 In his light. 00:30:41.019 --> 00:30:42.420 And judgment will come. 00:30:42.539 --> 00:30:43.859 And he will appear. 00:30:45.000 --> 00:30:46.359 The burning sun. 00:30:46.440 --> 00:30:47.879 Or the healing sun. 00:30:49.779 --> 00:30:50.259 And so. 00:30:50.480 --> 00:30:51.700 Stand in him. 00:30:52.660 --> 00:30:53.839 Trust in him now. 00:30:54.599 --> 00:30:55.940 Because all that matters. 00:30:56.059 --> 00:30:57.579 Is which group you're in. 00:30:57.619 --> 00:30:58.160 On that day. 00:30:58.220 --> 00:30:58.599 Isn't it? 00:30:59.599 --> 00:31:00.639 Because that day. 00:31:00.720 --> 00:31:01.200 Is coming. 00:31:01.339 --> 00:31:02.279 The sun is coming. 00:31:02.279 --> 00:31:04.660 The sun is rising. 00:31:05.639 --> 00:31:06.839 Let's pray. 00:31:06.839 --> 00:31:08.399 Yay!