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John talks about that the dead will be judged out of those things which
were written in the books, according to their works. People whose names
are in the Book of Life will be judged for rewards.
Aunty Lalitha and aunty Agnes have gone on ahead to their reward. For us
there is a book of works recording what we are doing and for the good
deeds there is a reward
God remembers the faithful deeds of those who fear the LORD and who
meditate on His name (Malachi 3:16). This means their godly
conversations with each other are being listened to intently, and every act
of kindness and mercy is being noted (Matthew 10:42; 25:34-40). To those
who care for the needs of others, were reminded, For God is not unjust
to forget your work and labour of love which you have shown toward His
name (Hebrews 6:10).
All through the ages, we see a remnant among Gods people who
remained faithful amidst widespread perversion.
While most people were harshly complaining to one another about God,
these God-fearers spoke different words to each other. They spoke words
that were evidently pleasing to God. We know this because it says God
listened to them and heard them. And that God then had this scroll written
in remembrance of them and their good words.
God says that a book of remembrance was written then for the sake of
those who fear the LORD. In other words, God wont forget. This is his
Outlook Reminder, so to speak. He wont forget his people, even as he
wont forget the wicked. He has not forgotten them, and he will not
overlook them. No, rather, they are recorded in a book of remembrance.
And so for those who fear him, he will remember to save them.
On the great and terrible day of the Lord, he saves them from judgment
and destruction. He saves them as his sons, it says. He will be our God,
and we will be his people. Thats his promise. He wont forget. He will
remember his people. He will remember to show them mercy and grace.
Thats is what Jesus came to bring. In remembrance of his mercy, God
sent Jesus to be born of the Virgin Mary. To live a life of perfect
righteousness. In remembrance of his mercy, Jesus suffered the cursed
death of the cross. He did that in the place of his people. That all who fear
God can call upon the name of the Lord to be saved.
Many have gone to church all their life and still need to be born again.
That was the problem with many at Malachis day. They were in the church
and thought they were all perfect and in the right. They didnt have a right
appraisal of themselves. They were blind to their sin and never came to
God in a right fear. Instead they presumptuously criticized God harshly. A
person who fears the almighty God will never harshly criticize God! I
never recalled Aunty Agnes or Aunty Lalitha ever criticising God
We should come as those who fear God. And if thats our attitude, that
means we do what Peter says. We humble ourselves before God and ask
for his help. Help even to see things aright. Help in the midst of world
where the wicked seem to prosper. Help even when your life is full of
trials. We come in humility. He is the almighty King of Kings and Lord of
Lords. And yet he also loves us, and so todays passage greatly
3
encourages those who come humbly before God. That he calls you his
own. He lifts us up in due time.
In years gone by, people seemed to respect authority so much more. In
our own country that does not seem to be the case. Its said that children
seem to disrespect parents more today. Husbands often report that their
wives disrespect them. Or look at our politics. From both sides of the
political aisle, people can speak pretty nastily about the leaders in
government. Often harsh words dominate in politics instead of humble
appeals to those in power.
THE WAY GOD WILL TREAT US
God delights in our conversation ("listened")
God loves His people and rejoices in them
See the two on the road to Emmaus
The best subjects of conversation are those about God and the Gospel.
They are marked down in God's book
"Book of life" - the redeemed all there
Every single one is there e.g. a telephone directory
God's book records their conversations
We will be His jewels forever
We are golden in His eyes.
There is a "day" for displaying His love to us. (On that day)
Luke 10:20
"Nevertheless do not rejoice in this, that the spirits are subject to
you, but rather rejoice because your names are written in
heaven."
So I ask each of us today is to seek some biblical reflection. Examine
ourselves. Ask even now for God to give us spiritual clarity to examine our
lives. Have we really feared God and trusted in Christ? If we havent
already done so, we need to turn to God today and be saved. If we do,
Malachi reminds us here today of Gods grace. That God will say to you
then today, You are mine! You are my son who I will save. You are my
jewel; my treasured possession! What wonderful words to hear from
God?