Words of Encouragement

The Prophet Malachi

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. _{Malachi 3:16}

Throughout most of the book of Malachi we see a people questioning God at every turn: ‘How have you loved us? How have we despised your name? How have we wearied him? Where is the God of justice?’ ‘How have we robbed you?’ Sadly, still today, there are those who don’t seem to be happy unless they are complaining or finding fault in something.

Complaining doesn’t build the type of Church the Lord desires and it definitely does not bring encouragement. We are called to be faithful and to be steadfast in God’s will and purpose. Among the disgruntled in Judah there were a group of faithful followers who loved the Lord and longed to please him and stay true to his ways. The verse above tells that those who feared the Lord spoke with one another. What did they say, I wonder?

I am sure they didn’t want to be dragged down by the complacency and disobedience of those around them. They knew they had to stay strong, listen to the voice of God, remain true to his teachings, and encourage one another in the ways of the Lord.

What struck me about this verse was that they didn’t go running to God all puffed up saying ‘look how good we are, don’t judge us the same as the rest’. They spoke only with one another as they were probably aware how easy it would be to slip into the same type of sin. They strengthened each other and were resolute in continuing to obey God’s laws. They probably didn’t even think that the Lord was listening to their conversation, but he was, and he heard every word. I am sure that in that moment, he rejoiced over them. In fact, it pleased Him so much, that he wrote down their names and then he spoke these wonderful words:

They shall be mine in the day when I make up my treasured possession. _{Malachi 3:17}

If you love the Lord, follow his will and serve him with all of your heart, he sees you as a treasured possession; you belong to him and you are cherished. Don’t you find that incredible? Let us encourage one another through our conversations, that we would build each other up and glorify the name of our God.

When you esteem His name, your name is remembered forever.