The Book of Remembrance
Today’s Verse:
Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. ~Malachi 3:16
Are there events that are part of your past that are precious to you? For most of us, I would think that the date of our salvation, the date of our baptism, the date of our marriage, and the date our children were born would be among those precious memories. Our devotion this morning reminds us of a special book where God keeps a record of certain things regarding those who are categorized as God-fearing Christians.
There is the distinction.
"They that feared the LORD...." This refers to believers who have an utmost and uncompromising reverence for God. They are identified by their Bible reading, praying, witnessing, service, and worship. They fear God enough that they do not set any wicked thing before their eyes. They fear God enough that they do not miss a church service, even when they are traveling or on vacation. They fear God enough that they separate themselves from ungodly fellowship. These are people who confess their sins daily, tithe, and make sacrifices for the work of God. They have a unique distinction.
There are the discussions.
They spake often one to another. They talk about Jesus! They talk about how the Lord spoke to them in a message. They talk about people being saved. They talk about going on missions trips. They talk about decisions that they made at the altar. They talk about how to advance the cause of Christ. There is little idle or foolish talk. They talk about the Lord and how much He means to them.
There are the devotions.
"...And that thought upon his name." This group is recorded in the Book of Remembrance because they have a committed devotional life. They read their Bible daily and pray. They know that a day without the Lord is a day that is lost. Henry Ward Beecher said, “The first hour of the morning is the rudder of the day.” Christians who have their devotions are walking in the Spirit. Their life reflects that they have been looking at the mirror and they want the reflection to resemble Jesus.
There is the documentation.
God writes all of this in His Book of Remembrance. It is His way of indicating His delight in the conduct, conversations, and consecration of believers who have lived a sold-out life for Him. It is His way of indicating behavior that pleases Him. It is His way of, later, rewarding them for their commitment and consecration.
Let’s take a moment today to reflect on the friends we should have, the things that we discuss when we are among others, the content of our devotional life, and the closeness we have to the Lord. Let’s remember how He remembers us!
Have a God-fearing God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Psalms 133-139