Longing for Justice Kevin Yi
“ For behold , the day is coming , burning like an oven , when all the arrogant and all evildoers will be stubble . The day that is coming shall set them ablaze , says the LORD of hosts , so that it will leave them neither root nor branch . But for you who fear my name , the sun of righteousness shall rise with healing in its wings . You shall go out leaping like calves from the stall .” ( Malachi 4:1 – 2 )
As I write , there are at least two major international wars raging , and the tragedy and heartache of families caught in the crossfire is heartbreaking . The world seems to be groaning in pain . There is lament in our homeland , too , as we read about violent crime happening every day in our cities and states .
The present brokenness of our world makes me more aware than ever that the Christmas phrase “ Peace on earth and goodwill to
men ” can sometimes feel like an impossible sentiment . And yet , when I hear it this season , it awakens a longing that is so palpable and real in my heart .
Maybe the unrest of the world isn ’ t what causes you apprehension . Perhaps this longing for peace is more acute and more personal . Sometimes the pain we feel from living in the world can feel so overwhelming . Maybe you do what I do : it ’ s just easier to live life on my phone , scrolling from meme to meme , searching for comfort in little pieces of humor .
This is why we need the promises found in Malachi 4 .
THE GOD WHO MAKES PROMISES
The prophet Malachi speaks the last words recorded for God ’ s people in the Old Testament . Then there would be a period of
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