Those That Fear God’s Name

Introduction

The fear of God is one of the greatest foundations of a godly life. It is not the fear that makes a person run away from God, but a reverence that causes us to honour Him, obey His Word and take His presence seriously.

In Malachi 4, the prophet speaks about a coming day when God will distinguish between those who serve Him and those who reject Him. While judgement awaits the wicked, God gives a beautiful promise to those who fear His name: “the Sun of righteousness shall arise with healing in his wings.”

This means that those who honour God may go through dark seasons, but darkness will not have the final word. God has light, healing, restoration and victory prepared for those who fear Him.

1. Those who fear God take His name seriously

To fear God's name means to recognise who He is and give Him the honour that belongs to Him. God's name represents His character, authority, holiness and power.

A person who fears God does not treat holy things casually. They do not deliberately live in rebellion while claiming to belong to God. The fear of God produces reverence, humility and obedience.

Joseph demonstrated this attitude when he refused to sin against God despite having an opportunity to do so. He said, “How then can I do this great wickedness, and sin against God?” (Genesis 39:9).

The question is not only, “Will anyone see me?” but, “What does God see?”

When the fear of God is in our hearts, His presence becomes more important to us than the approval of people.

2. Those who fear God choose obedience over convenience

Fearing God will sometimes require us to do what is difficult.

There will be moments when obedience costs us something. There may be opportunities that look attractive but contradict God's Word. There may be people who encourage us to compromise. There may be situations where doing the right thing makes us unpopular.

But those who fear God's name understand that temporary pleasure cannot be compared with eternal consequences.

Noah built the ark when there was no visible evidence of rain. Abraham obeyed God when he did not know where the journey would end. Daniel continued to pray even when prayer became dangerous.

The fear of God gives a person the courage to say, “I would rather obey God than please men.”

3. Those who fear God may pass through darkness, but God will bring them light

Malachi says:

“The Sun of righteousness shall arise...”

The imagery is powerful. The sun rises after the darkness of night. In the same way, God knows how to bring light into the lives of His people.

You may be passing through a season that feels dark. You may have experienced disappointment, rejection, delay or uncertainty. You may even wonder whether God has forgotten you.

But Malachi's message is a reminder that your present darkness is not your final destination.

The Sun of righteousness will arise.

God can bring clarity where there has been confusion, hope where there has been despair and restoration where there has been loss.

4. Those who fear God receive His healing

The Bible says that the Sun of righteousness will arise “with healing in his wings.”

God is concerned about the broken areas of our lives. His healing is not limited to one particular kind of need. He is able to restore what sin, sorrow, disappointment and life's battles have damaged.

There are wounds that people cannot see. There are battles that cannot be explained. There are burdens carried silently.

But God sees them.

The promise of Malachi reminds us that God's presence brings restoration. When He arises, what was wounded can begin to heal, what was broken can be restored and what appeared hopeless can receive new life.

5. Those who fear God will experience freedom

Malachi continues:

“And ye shall go forth, and grow up as the calves of the stall.”

This is a picture of freedom, strength and renewed life.

An animal kept in a stall is restricted, but when released, it runs with joy and strength. God does not intend for His children to remain permanently imprisoned by fear, shame, sin or the failures of yesterday.

The fear of God does not put us in bondage. Instead, it positions us to experience true freedom.

When we walk in reverence for God, we become free from the need to live according to the standards of a sinful world.

6. Those who fear God will ultimately triumph

The context of Malachi 4 is important. God was speaking about a day when He would judge evil and vindicate those who belong to Him.

The wicked may appear to prosper for a season. Those who compromise may seem to get ahead. Those who do wrong may appear to have no consequences.

But God sees the end from the beginning.

Do not abandon righteousness because you have not yet seen the reward of your obedience.

Do not stop serving God because someone who does not fear Him appears to be progressing faster than you.

Do not compromise because obedience seems difficult.

God knows those who fear His name.

There is a reward for remaining faithful.

Conclusion

The message of Malachi 4:2 is a message of hope to everyone who fears the Lord.

God sees your reverence. He sees your obedience. He sees the sacrifices you make to remain faithful. He sees the battles you fight when nobody else knows what you are going through.

The night may be long, but the sun will rise.

The wound may be deep, but healing is coming.

The situation may look impossible, but God is still working.

Therefore, fear God, honour His name, obey His Word and remain faithful to Him.

There is coming a time when the Sun of righteousness will arise with healing in His wings.

Do not exchange your eternal reward for temporary pleasure. Do not abandon God because of a difficult season. Keep walking with Him.

Those that fear God's name may go through the night, but they will rejoice when the morning comes.