Thursday 07 October 2010
- Bible Book:
- Malachi
"The Lord took note and listened, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who revered the Lord and thought on his name. They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act." (v.16-17)
Background
The book of Malachi is the last book in the Old Testament. Itcomes from about the 5th century before Jesus, and from a time whenthe religious life of God's people left much to be desired.
The prophet Malachi was concerned that there were corrupt priestswho were cheating people as well as cheating God. Sacrifices wereimproperly undertaken, offering to God what was not good andperfect, and there was a general lack of concern for what wasright.
Into this situation God sent a messenger. That is what the nameMalachi means - messenger - and it might be a proper noun or aname, or it might mean 'God's messenger'. The situation demandedthat a message was delivered to God's people.
In today's passage God spoke first to those who disregard God'sway. They questioned whether it was worth following God's commandswhen evil people seemed to be happy and prosperous. Good peopleoften questioned that observation in the Old Testament (forexample Psalm 73:2-3).
Then God spoke to the righteous - those who showed God thereverence which was proper. God was aware that there were peoplewho had kept the faith, who had been faithful servants even when somany in positions of influence had fallen short. There is mentionof a book of remembrance in which their names were written. In thefinal book of the New Testament, the Book of Revelation, there isalso mention of "the Lamb's book of life" which includes the namesof those who will enter the heavenly city (
Malachi proclaimed a god who recognised human behaviour - it didnot go unpunished or unrewarded. Faithful servants areacknowledged.
To Ponder
Can you imagine religious people behaving badly?How do you think God would behave towards them?
Who do you think might be recorded in that "bookof remembrance"?