Malachi 3:16-17 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it… I. RELIGIOUS FELLOWSHIP CALLS INTO EXERCISE THE HIGHEST SYMPATHIES OF BEING. While men converse on secular subjects the fountain of their spiritual nature is sealed. When the topic is practical Christianity, the hidden individuality discloses its proportions, and you become acquainted with the genuine nature of the speaker. Three facts in relation to religious men. 1. They have the common centre of attraction. "They that feared the Lord." On the subject of experimental godliness all Christians can speak. Assemble round the manger of Bethlehem or the Cross of Calvary, and even the most untutored tongue is stirred to eloquence or music. 2. They have corresponding spiritual experiences. Every student of his own heart has been amazed and delighted to discover the harmony of religious feelings which exists throughout the Church. 3. They enjoy the inspiration of a common hope. They speak of their joint inheritance without any feeling of envy. The "fear " here is that which filial reverence so properly inspires. The child of God fears lest he should wound love so sensitive, or insult purity so dazzling; his fear relates less to the power that might crush him than to the mercy which has saved him. II. RELIGIOUS FELLOWSHIP ATTRACTS THE BENIGNANT NOTICE OF GOD. Learn — 1. The proximity of the Divine ear. God has so constructed the universe that every whisper in its remotest region resounds in the palace of Deity. Wondrous ear! The thunders of celestial song, the plaintive notes of sorrow, the sighings of secret worship, the cries of extremity, and the doxologies of gratitude all force their way to that centre. Thy prayer will not ascend in vain. 2. The Divine record of human deeds. "A book of remembrance." There is a registry of names in heaven. Every man who "spake" will find his name inscribed in the chronicles of the sky. III. RELIGIOUS FELLOWSHIP NECESSITATES A CONTEMPLATION OF THE SUBLIMEST SUBJECTS. "That thought upon His name." Can you indicate a subject of more thrilling interest? Is boundless power sublime? The name of God is the expression of Omnipotence. Is infinite wisdom sublime? The name of God is the expression of Omniscience. Is there aught of sublimity in inimitable love? The name of God is the representative of ever-during and disinterested affection. There is no common-place in religion. The moment you mention the name of God you rise into the loftiest region of sublimity! Religious fellowship involves the highest style of conversation. IV. RELIGIOUS FELLOWSHIP WILL BE DISTINGUISHED BY THE MOST GLORIOUS RESULTS. "They shall be Mine." "I will spare them." 1. The qualification for these honours is entirely moral. All that is said of these people is, "They feared the Lord." "They thought on His name." 2. There is an appointed day of classification. God has jewels even amid the ruins of this shattered and degraded world.Concerning the fellowship indicated, four facts are clear. 1. It was cultivated with much frequency. "Spake often." 2. Its subjects are undiminished in sublimity. 3. It is demanded in circumstances no less exacting than those indicated in the context. 4. It has lost none of its attractiveness in the Divine estimation. The world may turn a deaf ear to your spiritual intercourse, hut the Lord will hearken and preserve a memorial of your godly fellowship. (Joseph Parker, D. D.) 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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