“Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another; and the LORD gave attention and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who esteem His name. “They will be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts, “on the day that I prepare My own possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve Him.” (Malachi 3:16-18 NASB)
God keeps meticulous records. He keeps all our tears, our prayers and even when we talk about Him to other believers. If you think God doesn’t know where you are, think again. so many times we, as Christians, get tired of the fight. Galatians 6:9 says “And let us not be weary in well doing: for in due season we shall reap, if we faint not.” One of the best ways to strengthen ourselves is by talking to other Christians about how wonderful and great our God is! It builds our faith, it refreshes our weary souls. And when we do this, the book of remembrance is brought out and God has our praise and statements of faith recorded. He considers us His prized possessions! There are a few interesting nuggets I’d like to bring out.
“Then those who feared the LORD” ~ Fear doesn’t mean trembling in terror. It means “morally reverent.” Those who fear the LORD have a reverent respect for Him and everything to do with Him. They what I call “intentional” with God. Live before Him on purpose or intentionally. People who fear the LORD have made Him their number one priority, They put Him above everything else in their life.
“For those who fear the LORD and esteem His name” ~ The book of remembrance is not all inclusive. Only the words of the faithful are in this book. A lot of people subscribe to the Christian religion, but in comparison, relatively few are interested in an intimate relationship with Him. It costs too much. The word esteem means to hold in high regard. His name is precious and above all other names. This boils down to one question. How much do we VALUE God’s presence in our lives? Is it very important, somewhat important or not important? If it’s anything less than very important then you are probably not in the book of remembrance.
“They will be Mine on the day I prepare My own Possession” ~ Another translation says that we are “precious jewels.” The Amplified version says it like this ““They will be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “on that day when I publicly recognize them and openly declare them to be My own possession [that is, My very special treasure]. And I will have compassion on them and spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Those who are in the book of remembrance are a “special treasure” to Him. I don’t know about you, but I want to be in that number!
” So you will again distinguish between the righteous and the wicked, between the one who serves God and the one who does not serve Him. ” ~ There is a marked difference between those who serve God and who does not. There should be a distinction that tells the world around us that we are different. The Bible calls us “peculiar.” I Peter 2:9 says ” But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a consecrated nation, a [special] people for God’s own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies [the wonderful deeds and virtues and perfections] of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” Peter isn’t just talking about Jews. This includes all those who call on the Name of the LORD.
I personally believe that the book of remembrance is for the Bride of Christ. We are a peculiar people and a special treasure that He will spare from the wrath to come. On that day, He will publicly acknowledge us and call us His special treasure. Where? At the wedding supper of the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ). What a wonderful day that will be!
In these days, where nothing is certain, as Christians, we need to really get serious about our relationship with God. There is so much out there that can easily distract us from “esteeming” His name the way we should. I know I’ve been struggling and I thought I had a close relationship, but in these days, it’s critical that we push into His presence all the more. In this age of isolation, we should find other believers and encourage one another among ourselves. When we do, He will have His book of remembrance right there to write down our praises….
Don’t know Him?
Blessings everyone…
From the Heart of God... 
Reblogged this on Stones of Fire Ministries.
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