14 NOVEMBER
Speak often one to another
‘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.’ Malachi 3:16
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Hebrews 10:19–39
When those who are drawn by the Lord are brought to fear him, the world (who are stout against the Lord) will be stout against them. What then shall they do? Why, they are constrained to cry to the Lord in secret and they are glad, as opportunity offers, to speak often one to another. If your lot was settled in some distant part of the kingdom, and you were to meet one of your own townsfolk or old schoolfellows, you would be glad to speak to them upon that single account. If you were in some more distant country whereby you could not understand the language of the people, a man’s having been born in England would recommend him to your regard. Thus it is with the Lord’s people, they are strangers in a strange land—they talk a language which none can understand but themselves—and therefore when sin and Satan do not prevent, they are glad to run together and to speak often. This is their privilege. It happens sometimes that an awakened soul lives alone for a season before he has freedom or opportunity to make himself known to others. And this is usually a great hindrance. While they carry their sorrows within them they are burdened. Satan has advantage of them, perplexes them with fears and doubts and troubles—he knows that if they could freely communicate their case to those who have been in the same way, they would probably receive assistance, and therefore he labours all he can to stop their mouths. O rejoiced have some of you been, when you have been enabled to break through these snares, and the Lord has brought you to have sweet and free communion with his children. You have found that as iron sharpeneth iron, so you have been stirred up by friendly converse.
FOR MEDITATION: Bless God then for the privilege and be careful to improve it. Consider it is not only your pleasure, but your duty. It is amongst the means which he has appointed to bless for your comfort and usefulness (1 Thessalonians 5:14). It has been the practice of the saints in all ages (Psalm 66:16; Luke 24:34–35). Gratitude demands it (Psalm 28:7).
SERMON: MALACHI 3:16–17 [2/5]
Milo 