Homilist Malachi 3:17 And they shall be mine, said the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them… I. Good men are PRECIOUS to God. They are here spoken of as "jewels." They are precious as loving children are precious to their parents. "Can a woman forget her suckling child?" etc. Precious. He knows — 1. The worth of their existence. 2. The cost of their restoration. 3. The greatness of their capabilities.Great as God is, a really true man is precious in His sight. II. Good men are COLLECTED by God. "In that day when I make up My jewels." He will gather them together one day: they are now scattered abroad. By death He brings them together into a glorious social state, the Heavenly Jerusalem. III. Good men are CLAIMED by God. "They shall be Mine." They shall be sure to love Me and to serve the interests of My creation — My friends, My children, etc. (Homilist.) Parallel Verses KJV: And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. |
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