Today’s sermon, “Looking for Him,” calls us to reflect on the profound anticipation of God’s presence and the coming day of the Lord, drawing wisdom from various scriptures that illuminate His justice, mercy, and ultimate victory.
The scriptures from Malachi 4:1-6 and 3:18 set the stage, speaking of a day that is coming, burning like a furnace, where the arrogant and evildoers will be consumed. On that day, a clear distinction will be made: “Then you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not.” This powerful imagery is echoed in 2 Thessalonians 1:6-8, which assures us of God’s righteous judgment. He will pay back trouble to those who trouble us and give relief to us who are troubled, when the Lord Jesus is revealed from heaven in blazing fire with His powerful angels. He will punish those who do not know God and do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus.
Yet, amidst these warnings, there is immense hope and promise. Malachi 3:14-16 reveals the complaints of those who felt serving God was futile, but it also highlights God’s remembrance of “those who feared the Lord and honored His name.” For them, Malachi 4:2-3,6 paints a beautiful picture: “But for you who fear my name, the sun of righteousness will rise with healing in its rays. And you will go out and frolic like well-fed calves.” On that day, the righteous will “tread down the wicked, who will be ashes under the soles of your feet.” The prophet also speaks of turning “the hearts of the parents to their children, and the hearts of the children to their parents,” preventing utter destruction.
This healing and restoration are deeply rooted in the sacrifice of Christ, as Isaiah 53:5 reminds us: “But he was pierced for our transgressions, he was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on him, and by his wounds we are healed.” God’s tender care for His own is further emphasized in Malachi 3:17: “On the day when I act, declares the Lord Almighty, ‘they will be my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as a father has compassion on his son who serves him.'”
Our ultimate hope in “Looking for Him” culminates in the glorious return of the Lord. 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 offers profound comfort, assuring us that those who have died in Christ will rise first, and then “we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.” This promise is tied to the coming of Elijah before the great and dreadful day of the Lord, as mentioned in Malachi 4:5.
Finally, the vision of a new heaven and new earth in Revelation 21:4-5 provides a glimpse of the eternal future for those who look for Him: “He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” And the One seated on the throne declares, “I am making everything new!”
Today’s sermon reminds us that “Looking for Him” is not just about waiting, but living with an awareness of God’s justice, embracing His healing, and holding onto the blessed hope of His glorious return and the new life He promises.