3-16-07 Malachi 3:16-18

Malachi 3: 16-18 (NAS)
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. "And 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 one who serves God and one who does not serve Him.

Malachi 3: 16-18 (NRSV)
Then those who revered the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the LORD and thought on his name. They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as parents spare their children who serve them. Then once more you shall see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve him.

You stand in awe of the Lord your God. You fear Him and honor Him. You respect and revere Him. You have given yourself completely to Him. When you converse with your family and your friends, Yeshua is always at the center. You declare His commands and sing of His promises. Even those who are not a part of your intimate circles hear you preach of Him and His Word. As a shepherd and teacher you lead others to the Great Shepherd; your words direct the way.

Whenever you speak of Him, the Lord Jehovah pays attention to your words. He listens with great interest. If He hears any requests, He is quick to grant them. He summons a servant, who brings His record book. He commands that your words be written down to be kept as a memorial and a reminder. The Lord God is pleased with your thoughts and words of His name and will keep them eternally.

The Lord of Hosts, the One Who wages war for you, has made you His valued and treasured possession. He has promised to show you compassion and spare you from His wrath, even as He would spare His very own Son. You are His servant, standing as a priest before Him.

Then God will cause others to discern how favored you are. They will perceive that He does not favor the wicked, but the righteous only. They understand that God Almighty has blessed you as His special son and servant. Because you continually honor Him before others, He also honors you before them.