Malachi 4

God, the commander of the heavenly armies, says, “Pay attention! The time is coming when I am going to judge people. People will feel their guilt intensely, as if they were standing in front of a hot furnace. At that time, I will destroy all proud and wicked people as if they were straw burning in a fire. I will destroy them completely, just as a fire burns up plants from top to bottom.

But those of you who honor me will experience my power saving you as if the sun were rising and bringing you warmth and light. By my power, I will heal you. You will be as happy as calves are when they leave their stalls to go and play out in the open fields.

At the time when I do this, you will completely defeat every wicked person. It will be as if you are stomping them down with your feet.” This is what God, who commands the heavenly armies, says. \*

“Remember to obey the laws that I gave to my servant Moses on Mount Sinai. Obey all the rules and regulations that I gave him for all the Israelite people to obey.

Listen carefully! I will send the prophet Elijah to you before the grand and frightening day comes when I, God, will judge everyone.

Because of his message, parents and children will love each other again. I am going to make this happen so that I will not have to come and curse your country.”