Malachi 3:16

"Then they that feared Jehovah spake one with another; and Jehovah hearkened, and heard, and a book of remembrance was written before him, for them that feared Jehovah, and that thought upon his name."

Christians should not trouble themselves about the justice of God. God Himself is keeping the records; he knows them that are his; their eternal felicity is assured; God hears their prayers; God will reward them gloriously.

"They that feared Jehovah spake often with one another ..." The need of the community of fellowship is basic and necessary for meeting the trials and temptations of life. It was true of ancient Israel, and it is true today. Men who forsake the fellowship of the church are unquestionably on the way to eternal shame. The human soul needs the support, fellowship, and encouragement of "the communion of the saints," all of which are abundantly available to the Christian in the weekly observance of the Lord's Supper, ordained of God to supply these basic pre-conditions of fidelity.

"A book of remembrance ..." This is a metaphor, of course. God does not need a literal book, or anyone to write in it. The thought here is quite similar to that in passages which mention the "book of Life." The thought of God's keeping his records in a book occurs in several Old Testament passages (Exodus 32:32,33; Psalms 69:28; 86:6; and Daniel 12:1). "But only Malachi calls it a book of remembrance."[29] Keil thought the metaphor here is founded, "On the custom of the Persians, of having the names of those who deserved the king's favor written in a book with a notice of their merits."[30]; Esther 6:1 refers to such a custom as it affected Mordecai. (Compare Philippians 4:3; Revelation 20:12).

Of the very greatest importance is the glimpse afforded in this passage of that "righteous remnant," so often mentioned in the Old Testament. "There is never a time when Jehovah does not have his `seven thousand in Israel' whose knees have not bowed unto Baal (1 Kings 19:18; Romans 11:4)."[31] The great and final apostasy had already descended upon the nation once called "the chosen people"; but God's purpose of redemption was not at all frustrated. In the midst of the wicked nation, there were those who "waited for the kingdom of God" (Mark 15:43). "were looking for the consolation of Israel" (Luke 1:25), and who also, "departed not from the temple, worshipping with fastings and supplications night and day" (Luke 1:37). There were a few Israelites indeed, true sons of Abraham, who were without guile (John 1:47), and a few whom Jesus Christ himself identified as "sons of Abraham" (Luke 19:9). No one knows how large this minority was at any given time; but the truth of its existence is clearly given.

This priceless verse in Malachi gives the secret of maintaining faith and confidence in a time of widespread wickedness:

"When the fire of religion burns low, true believers should draw the nearer together, to keep the holy flame alive. Coals separated soon go out."[32]