A Sun that Burns and Heals

Malachi 4:1-2a, the First Reading appointed for the 23rd Sunday after Pentecost in the Year of Luke, pairs well with the Gospel reading where Jesus foretells the destruction of the Great Temple in Jerusalem.  Even so, the audiences are quite different.  In Malachi, it is the priests of the temple who are being addressed; in Luke it is the disciples. In preaching this sermon, the preacher will need to be clear with whom he or she is identifying.

1.  How does the Word function in the text?  In this rare text we see the Word as both Law and Gospel: Law in verse 1 with the warning to evildoers, and Gospel to those who revere the Lord's name.

2. With whom are you identifying in the text?  This entire book is, as the commentators of the Lutheran Study Bible point out, a courtroom scene in which God's case against the priests and the people is laid out.  We identify with those to whom this word is spoken.

3.  What, if any, call to obedience is there in this text?  This text, calling us to revere God's name, is a call to faith, not a call to any particular action, thus it is not a call to obedience.

4.  What Law/Gospel couplet is suggested by this text?  The text suggests the work of the sun, so our couplets might reflect that:  burning/warming; destroying/making grow.

5.  Exegetical work:  A reader cannot help but notice the contrast between "the sun of righteousness" rising, and the burning of the day of the Lord.  It seems that both speak of the sun and its effects.  The effect of the sun (i.e. God's presence) will depend to great extent on one thing - revering God's name.  Almost this entire book is addressing the priesthood, calling for reform.  As the Lutheran Study Bible points out, "the future day holds punishment for offenders (4:1) and reward for the faithful (4:2-3)."   (p. 1589).  It is the same sun.  Luther's Large Catechism has much to say about revering God's name, under his commentary on the Second Commandment.  One quote will serve as an example:  "Notice, all these [false preachers] are expedients to use the name of God as a veneer in order to appear attractive and commendable, whether in ordinary worldly business or in the high and subtle matters of faith and doctrine." (Luther's Large Catechism, p.54).

6.  Consider the insights of the pioneers of the New Homiletic?  Eugene Lowry used a model of preaching where one brought listeners into disequilibrium and then to equilibrium again. This text might be a good chance to practice that strategy.

Blessings on your proclamation!