15 NOVEMBER
The Lord hears
‘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. 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.’ Malachi 3:16–17
SUGGESTED FURTHER READING: Isaiah 65:17–25
Methinks the principal motive I can urge for speaking often to one another should be that in my text: the Lord’s gracious and condescending acceptance. He—he!—hearkened and heard. It is mentioned as giving him pleasure. Though encompassed with the songs of angels he does not disdain our poor remembrance of him. A book was written. This is spoken after the manner of men, who write what they would not have forgot. We forget what passes upon these occasions, but he will not. He acknowledges it as a mark of his children: they shall be mine, says the LORD. Surely if this will not stir us up, nothing will. The Lord hears our discourses and sees all intimacies. Let them trouble that spend their time in vain company and vain conversation. He has a book for you too, and it will be opened against you in the great day. Now you laugh and play, but then you shall mourn and weep. If you do not fear the Lord now, you will fear him then. Though you think not of his name at present, you will think of him when he calls you to give an account of every idle word.
FOR MEDITATION:
When sinners utter boasting words,
For they, by faith, a day descry,
And glory in their shame;
And joyfully expect,
The LORD, well-pleased, an ear affords
When he, descending from the sky,
To those who fear his name.
His jewels will collect.
They often meet to seek his face,
Assembled worlds will then discern
And what they do, or say,
The saints alone are blest;
Is noted in his book of grace
When wrath shall like an oven burn,
Against another day.
And vengeance strike the rest.
SERMON: MALACHI 3:16–17 [3/5]
Milo 