The Book of Remembrance

Bible Reading: Malachi 3:13-18

I must say that the Old Testament ends on a beautiful note!  This passage is a source of encouragement and comfort, as it suggests that God remembers and values the faithfulness and devotion of His people!  

The Lord complained about the people of Judah that they wearied Him by saying, "Everyone who does evil is good in the sight of the LORD, and He delights in them, …Where is the God of justice?" (Malachi 2:17).  The people also complained saying, "It is useless to serve God.  What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked as mourners before the LORD of hosts.   So now we call the proud blessed, for those who do wickedness are raised up.  They even tempt God and go free " (Malachi 3:14,15).

The Lord answered them fittingly in Malachi 3:16-18. 

Our God does not forget anything.  The "Book of Remembrance" refers to a record of the words and actions of those who fear the Lord and meditate on His Name.  When the Day of the Lord comes, those who feared Him, that is, those whose names are found in the Book of Remembrance would be spared!  And then everyone would see the difference between those who served the Lord and those who did not. 

We may see the wicked being rewarded and the righteous suffering around us now, but that is not the end.  God never forgets how we lived for Him, even in trying situations.  Here, Malachi promises that not only does God remember, but He also writes them down!  God will call them His and spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.

In the midst of suffering, assaulted by doubt and discouragement, God's people did not feel like God's jewels.  Yet how they felt did not change the fact, and that is what we have to understand.  Remember, we are jewels in God's hands, His sons and daughters whom He would spare on the 'Day of the Lord.'

My friend, do not be a complainer.  Take hold of yourself and let the Word of God dwell in you richly.  We only have to be careful about living in obedience to Him.  Then, we will be jewels in God's hand! 

Prayer:  Lord Jesus, it is disturbing to see the wicked flourishing.  But Lord, now I know You are making a difference, and one day, the whole world will see it.  Help me, Lord.  Amen.