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23 Sep: The Joy of Freedom
You will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture. Malachi 4:2
Scripture Reading: Malachi 4:1–3
Jim, a third-generation farmer, had watched his calves burst out of their stalls and leap around with excitement countless times. So when he read, “You who fear my name . . . will go free, leaping with joy like calves let out to pasture” (Malachi 4:2), he could picture it clearly. That familiar scene helped him understand the freedom God was offering. Moved by the promise, Jim prayed to accept Jesus’ gift of eternal life.
His daughter shared this story with me while we were talking about the imagery in Malachi 4. In verses 1–2, Malachi described the difference between those who honored God and remained faithful to Him and those who relied on themselves. Many Israelites, including their religious leaders, had begun to disregard God and His instructions for how they should live (1:12–14; 3:5–9). Malachi urged them to return to a faithful life, reminding them that a day was coming when God would judge rightly and make that distinction clear.
For those who honored Him, God promised that “the Sun of Righteousness will rise with healing in his wings” (4:2). The picture of calves leaping freely helped express the joy His people would know. Jim had seen that delight firsthand on his farm, and it gave him a way to understand a promise that might otherwise have felt distant.
Jesus fulfills this promise, bringing the good news of freedom to all people (Luke 4:16–21). Through Him, we can begin to know that freedom now. One day, when God renews and restores His creation, we’ll enjoy it fully. Like calves released from their stalls, we’ll have every reason to leap for joy.
By: Lizzie Clements
Go deeper on: The Joy of Freedom
Reflect & Pray
How have you experienced freedom in Jesus? What other images help you to visualize joy?
Jesus, help me to live joyfully as I remember the freedom only You provide.