Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name. “They shall be mine, says the LORD of hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured
possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.” – Malachi 3:16-17
possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.” – Malachi 3:16-17
The book of Malachi was written, essentially, as a wake-up call for the people of Israel. In a variety of ways, Israel had ceased to serve the LORD the way he deserved to be served. Their worship practices had become relaxed and failed to treat God with fear and reverence. And so, here the prophet reminds the people that the Day of the LORD is coming. That’s a reminder a lot of people today need.
Malachi knew, and we know too, that the day is coming when God will judge the world for the way each of us has lived our life. Those who didn’t fear the LORD, who didn’t serve him the way he deserves to be served will be judged and punished. But those who did fear, revere, and serve the LORD will be spared from the judgment. They’ll be considered God’s treasured possession, and will be with him for eternity.
Will you be God’s treasured possession? How are you serving God with your life?