Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.

 Malachi 3:16-18

Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.  “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him. Malachi 3:16-17

I return to my study of the last four books of the Old Testament, having already covered Zephaniah, Haggai, Zechariah, and most of Malachi.  My study leans on the Christ-Centered Exposition Commentary series volume which covers these books. This morning I start a focus on a commentary-assisted review of Malachi 3:13-18 - specifically this morning leaning on the commentary for the division covering the text 3:16-18 and for the conclusion for this chapter of the commentary that covers 3:13-18.  

After a rebuke from God (see vv6-13), those who truly loved and feared God spoke amongst themselves.  While it is not explicit what they discussed, God - of course being all knowing - heard them and of course saw how they feared the Lord.  Again, God does not want us to be afraid of Him, but He wants us to have reverent awe for who God is - the Creator and the King of Kings who is provident over all - holding all things together (see Colossians 1:15-19), including our lives.  We can approach Him with confidence (Hebrews 4:16), knowing that He wants us to lay our burdens on Him (1 Peter 5:7). God then adds those who fear Him to a book of remembrance.  All believers who love and fear God are in this book and sealed for eternity as God is saving a place in Heaven for them.  We are His and His treasured possession as in Malachi 3:17.  What awesome words from God!  Malachi 3:18 then turns to offer a warning for those who do not serve (or fear) God. Ultimately, those who do not fear or love God are thrown into Hell - see Revelation 20:15.  

Excerpts from the commentary:

• See also Proverbs 9:10 for text describing reverential fear of God
• "Malachi’s book of remembrance is quite different than those previously mentioned. Malachi’s book was not written before the foundation of the world and it isn’t a book that records the wicked acts of sinful individuals and God’s judgments against them. It is a book for the righteous acts, deeds, and motives of God’s chosen people. Scripture clearly speaks of the fact that God records everything. Kings during this time frequently recorded in books instances where people would perform favors for them with the hopes of returning the favor one day (e.g., Esther 2:21-23; 6:1-3). Malachi has this kind of book in mind."
• "Notice that all things, not just the good or the bad, are recorded for eternity. God is even recording every time you respond in righteousness. Every time a woman respects her body and rejects intimacy with another man before marriage, God sees and honors that decision. Every time a husband refuses to engage in immoral talk at work or to be seduced into looking at pornography, God recognizes it. Every time you avert gossip, every time you bear the burden of an injustice and refuse to lash out, God sees that. Every time a family opens their home to be a Christian witness to the world, God sees that. Every time you share the gospel with a lost family member or friend, God sees that, whether or not anyone else does. If we lived with this in mind, would it change the way that we act?"

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My Prayer: Father God, You are an incredible God who knows everything about me, yet loves me anyway and of course saved me.  Thank You Father God Jesus!  I am not deserving.  My sin is great and it continues...daily.  Please forgive me and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You.  Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith.  Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength.  Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior.  Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin.  Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others.  Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.