A Scroll of Remembrance

Everyday with God

A Scroll of Remembrance
We read in Malachi 3:16 "Then those who feared the Lord talked to each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in his presence concerning those who fear the Lord and uttered his name."
 
This passage was written in a time of deep decline among the Jews. They questioned God's love, they showed contempt for him, they robbed God of tithes and offerings that were due to him. And they said, "it is futile to serve God".
 
In the midst of this national ungodliness, however, there was a group who feared and honored the Lord, and who talked to one another. Undoubtedly, they encouraged one another in the same way Hebrews 3:13 teaches, "encourage one another daily, as long as it is today, so that none of you may be hardened by sin's deceitfulness."
 
And as these faithful, God-fearing, God-honoring people encouraged one another with their words, the Lord listened and heard. This, of course, is a metaphorical expression, for God knows our words before they are even on our tongues. The expression is intended to convey that God took special notice of their words towards one another.
 
After God listened, a Scroll of Remembrance was written before him concerning these people who feared him and honored his name. God does not need a Book of Remembrance. Being omniscient, he never forgets. Rather the Scroll of Remembrance in Malachi was God's way of giving special honor to those who feared and honored God, and who encouraged each other to do the same.
 
We live in a day much like the days of Malachi. Not only has society as a whole becoming godly, but even much of the Church of Jesus has failed to fear and glorify God. God is looked upon not as one to be feared and honored, but as someone to meet our felt needs and help us with our problems. God does have faithful ones, however, even in these difficult days, there are those who delight to fear and glorify God and encourage others to do the same. Are you one of those? If so, I pray you and I will continue to grow in this delight until one day when we hear the words of ultimate joy expressed in Matthew 25, "Well done, good and faithful servant, you have been faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things. Come and share your master's happiness!"*
 
Loving Father, remember me and deal with me according to your goodness and compassion, according to the sacrifice and worth of your son, Jesus Christ.
 
You understand, O Lord, remember me and care for me. Jeremiah 15:15
 
I will praise your name, O Lord, for it is good. Psalm 54:6


*I Give You Glory, O God by Jerry Bridges.
In I Give You Glory, O God, Bridges offers you the best reasons and the best words for bringing honor to your awesome, incomparable God.
In his third powerful volume of the Private Worship Trilogy, this beloved author gives you the encouragement, motivation, and specific guidance you seek for your private, individual worship of God. As a result, you can better see and understand what it really means to glorify God. To fear God. To live as his child. To follow his wisdom day by day. And you can begin to experience the blessings God promises as you truly live for him.
 
Available on Amazon: ISBN 1578566290
Linda Miller | Ministry Development