July 30, 2024
DAILY BIBLE READING – Malachi Chapter 4
1 For, behold, the day cometh, that shall burn as an oven; and all the proud, yea, and all that do wickedly, shall be stubble: and the day that cometh shall burn them up, saith the Lord of hosts, that it shall leave them neither root nor branch.
2 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.
3 And ye shall tread down the wicked; for they shall be ashes under the soles of your feet in the day that I shall do this, saith the Lord of hosts.
4 Remember ye the law of Moses my servant, which I commanded unto him in Horeb for all Israel, with the statutes and judgments.
5 Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the Lord:
6 And he shall turn the heart of the fathers to the children, and the heart of the children to their fathers, lest I come and smite the earth with a curse.
King James Version. Public Domain
Commentary
Vers 1: Hier wird ein Tag beschrieben, der so heiß brennt wie ein Ofen und an dem die Gottlosen und Verächter wie Stroh verbrennen werden. Diese Bildsprache vermittelt eine starke Warnung vor den Konsequenzen eines gottlosen Lebens. Der Herr Zebaoth (Herr der Heerscharen) wird die Verächter ohne Wurzel und Zweige zurücklassen, was bedeutet, dass sie komplett vernichtet werden.
Vers 2: Im Gegensatz dazu wird denen, die den Namen des Herrn fürchten, die „Sonne der Gerechtigkeit“ aufgehen. Diese Metapher steht für Heil und Gerechtigkeit, die von Gott ausgehen. Es wird beschrieben, dass sie wie Mastkälber hüpfen werden, was ein Bild der Freude und des Überflusses ist. Diese Versprechen bieten Trost und Hoffnung für die Gläubigen.
Vers 3: Die Gläubigen werden die Gottlosen zertreten, die zu Asche unter ihren Füßen werden. Diese drastische Darstellung soll die endgültige Gerechtigkeit Gottes betonen.
Vers 4: Hier wird an das Gesetz Moses erinnert, das den Israeliten auf dem Berg Horeb gegeben wurde. Die Beachtung dieser Gebote und Rechte wird als essentiell dargestellt.
Vers 5: Gott kündigt an, den Propheten Elia zu senden, bevor der große und schreckliche Tag des Herrn kommt. Elia gilt als ein Vorbote, der das Kommen des Herrn ankündigt und die Menschen zur Umkehr ruft.
Vers 6: Elia wird die Herzen der Väter zu den Kindern und die Herzen der Kinder zu ihren Vätern kehren. Dies deutet auf eine Wiederherstellung und Heilung von Beziehungen hin, um das Land vor dem Bann zu bewahren.
Diese Passage hebt die Dualität von Gottes Gerechtigkeit und Barmherzigkeit hervor. Sie warnt vor den Folgen des Ungehorsams und verheißt Segen und Heil für diejenigen, die Gottes Namen fürchten und seine Gebote halten.
WEEKLY SPIRIT OF PROPHECY READING – Ellen White | The Desire of Ages Chapter 51: The Light of Life
This chapter is based on John 8:12-59; John 9.
Read online here
Commentary
Introduction: Jesus as the Light of the World (John 8:12)
Jesus declares in the temple that He is the light of the world and promises that those who follow Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life. This statement is made during the Feast of Tabernacles, where large lamps in the temple courtyard illuminate Jerusalem and remind the people of the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness. Jesus uses this symbol to highlight His mission as a spiritual light meant to illuminate the darkness of the world.
The Significance of Light in the Bible
Light is a recurring symbol in the Bible for God’s presence and revelation. From the light of creation to the pillar of fire that guided Israel in the wilderness and the light that accompanied the dedication of Solomon’s temple, light stands for God’s guidance and proximity. Jesus, as the light of the world, embodies God’s essence and His relationship with humanity. He is the true light that enlightens every person (John 1:9).
Jesus and Abraham (John 8:56-58)
Jesus emphasizes His eternal existence and His relationship with Abraham, which the Pharisees perceive as presumptuous. He explains that Abraham rejoiced at the prospect of Jesus’ day. By saying, “Before Abraham was, I am,” Jesus claims divine existence and identity, which the Pharisees see as blasphemy and therefore want to stone Him.
The Healing of the Man Born Blind (John 9)
In John 9, Jesus heals a man who was born blind. This healing demonstrates that God’s works are revealed through Jesus. The disciples and the Pharisees inquire about the cause of the blindness, but Jesus shifts the focus to the outcome: the revelation of God’s power and grace. This healing occurs on the Sabbath, prompting the Pharisees to again condemn Jesus as a lawbreaker.
The Pharisees’ Reaction
The Pharisees attempt to deny the miracle and intimidate the healed man and his parents. However, the formerly blind man bravely defends Jesus and points to the obvious divine origin of his healing. This defense leads to his expulsion from the synagogue. Jesus seeks him out and fully reveals Himself to him, whereupon the man worships Jesus as the Son of Man.
Spiritual Blindness of the Pharisees
Jesus uses the healing of the man born blind to highlight the spiritual blindness of the Pharisees. They claim to see, but they reject the true light that Jesus offers. Their self-righteousness and pride prevent them from recognizing the truth, thus their sin remains.
Summary
Chapter 51 underscores the profound significance of Jesus’ declaration, “I am the light of the world.” Jesus brings not only physical but also spiritual light into the world, revealing God’s truth and saving people from the darkness of sin. The healing of the man born blind serves as a practical example of Jesus’ mission and the necessity of accepting spiritual light. The Pharisees, however, remain trapped in their self-righteousness and reject the life-changing light that Jesus offers.
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