Scripture Text: Malachi 3:16-18, 4:1-3
Then the Lord’s followers spoke with each other, and the Lord listened to them. There is a book in front of him. In that book are the names of his followers. They are the people who honor the Lord’s name.
Malachi 3:16
In this world, there are two groups of people living under the sun and both are enjoying the general blessings given by God through Jesus Christ.
The first group are the people who are faithful and righteous in the sight of God. They are the chosen people from different nations who were called out from terrible darkness. Because of God's grace and mercy, the Lord brought those people into a marvelous light and God blessed them. These people are the true followers of God through Jesus Christ and are recipients of special favors/blessings given by Him (eternal blessings).
These are the people who genuinely repented and accepted the Lordship of Christ Jesus in their hearts and they believed that Christ died on the cross and rose again after three days and now He is at the right side of God the Father in heaven and He will come back again for His people (Romans 10:9-10).
That is why the true followers of Christ continue worshiping and serving God in spirit and in truth. They meet together regularly for fellowship, studying and teaching the Word, caring for each other and helping the ones in need. They are devoted to prayer and are united in proclaiming/sharing the gospel. They are truly respecting, honoring, obeying God, and doing the will of the Lord, and the Lord is always watching, listening, caring, providing, and protecting them in their daily lives and God-Jesus is always answering their prayers. Finally, the names of these people are written in His book.
The second group of people are the unfaithful and unrighteous in the sight of God. These people are rebellious, stubborn; they worship idols—all they did are evil things. They are not respecting, honoring and following/obeying the will of the Lord. Their names are not written in the Book of Life since the foundation of the earth was created. They receive only a general blessings but not the special favor/blessings given by God (eternal blessings).
Surely, judgment will come soon and God will not punish His own people whose names are written in the Book of Life because they are serving the Lord Jesus faithfully. But those who are dishonoring, disrespecting, disobeying, not serving and not doing the will of the Lord, truly, they will be punished by God.
In Exodus chapter 32, the peoples of Israel made a terrible mistake against the Lord but Moses was very much concerned about them so he urged and challenged God to forgive their sins but the Lord rebuked Moses.
v32 Now, forgive them of this sin. If you will not forgive them, then erase my name from your book.”
v33 But the Lord said to Moses, “The only people I erase from my book are those who sin against me.
God reminded us who we are and who He is (He is the Creator and we are the created). Real followers of Christ never test nor challenge the Supremacy of God. The best thing that we can do is to do His will (24/7) with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit.
Reflect
Did you experience riding a cruise ship or an airplane going to your dream place on earth? Aside from your ticket and other legal documents, your name is also listed in the "manifesto" (record book of shipping/airlines company). If your name is written in the manifesto, it means you are favored and assured of all privileges and benefits.
* How are you feeling? Are you happy?
* How much more if your name is written in the Book of Life?
* Is your name truly written in the Book of Life?
Remember
The true followers of Christ does not entertain any fear, doubt, confusion, nor hesitation in their mind when it comes to spiritual salvation. Instead of worrying, we must focus our hearts and fix our faith on God the Father, through our Lord Jesus Christ, with the empowerment of the Holy Spirit. Then, do His will while waiting for the final coming of the Lord Jesus Christ.
Read
Exodus 19:5-6; 1 Peter 2:9-10; Acts 17:30-31; Revelations 3:5, 21:27
Pray
Lord Jesus, thank You for Your steadfast love, unlimited grace, and eternal salvation. Thank You because You found me and changed my corrupted heart. Thank You because You considered me as one of Your kingdom people. Help me, Lord, to do Your will 24/7 through the help of the Holy Spirit. In Your Name, Amen!
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