Malachi 3:16-17 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it… However abandoned and wicked a people or nation may be, nevertheless God has reserved to Himself a seed to serve Him, a people to show forth His glory. The period to which the text alludes may be considered emblematical of the times in which we live; and it should be our object, as the professed people of God, to imitate the example of those who are so honourably mentioned by the prophet in the words before us. I. THE DESCRIPTION HERE GIVEN OF THE PEOPLE OF GOD. 1. They are said to "fear the Lord." In order that we may fear the Lord we must know Him. The fear meant is that reverential, affectionate fear of God which is produced in the heart of the believer by the Holy Spirit. 2. They are those who meditate upon Him. "In the multitude of their thoughts within them His comforts delight their soul." 3. They are those who hold communion one with another. They "considered one another, to provoke unto love and good works." We can imagine them saying, "Come, all ye that fear the Lord, and we will tell you what He hath done for our souls." II. THE APPROBATION WHICH GOD HERE TESTIFIES OF HIS PEOPLE. 1. He testifies His approbation by paying attention to their occupations. 2. By granting them a share in His remembrance. 3. By promising to recognise and spare them at the final day. "They shall be Mine when I make up My jewels." God even speaks of them as His "sons." Do we possess the characteristics which are here given of the people of God? May God, in His infinite mercy, place His fear within our hearts, and then the gracious promise of the text shall be ours. (Henry Cleare.) Parallel Verses KJV: Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name. |
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