The Preacher Malachi 3:16-17 Then they that feared the LORD spoke often one to another: and the LORD listened, and heard it… In a time of general corruption, when the priests themselves had depraved the law, and were enemies to true religion, and the common people were like them, there were a few of another spirit. Observe their character — such as "feared the Lord." What they did: "spake often one to another." They delighted in each other's good. How their minds were employed: "They thought upon His name." They were concerned for God's glory, and grieved over the dishonour of His name. What the Lord did for them: "He hearkened and heard." It was "written before Him," according to the custom of eastern kings, who kept records of all that was done for their honour. I. WHAT IS MEANT BY THINKING ON THE NAME OF THE LORD IN A WAY THAT HE APPROVES? This expression is descriptive of the nature of true religion. What is repentance toward God, but thinking on His name with grief for. having dishonoured it. What is faith in Christ, but thinking on His name with delight, as revealed in the Gospel. What is love to God, but thinking on His name affectionately, and with the highest satisfaction. More especially, it includes an earnest and habitual concern for God's cause and interest in the world, and for the spread of the Gospel. 1. If we think on the name of the Lord in a way that He approves, all we do in religion will be directed to His glory. 2. We shall reckon no sacrifice too great for it. 3. We shall seek our own spiritual advantage in subordination to it. If we take care of God's honour, He will take care of our peace. II. IN WHAT MANNER DOES GOD REMEMBER THOSE WHO REMEMBER HIM AND THINK UPON HIS NAME? 1. The Lord generally employs those who love His name as instruments in promoting His glory. 2. In seeing His name glorified, they find their own reward. 3. Their labours shall be remembered for good in this life, and even when they are gone to the grave. 4. At the last day the Judge will read out their names. (1) There is no true religion but where the name of the Lord is loved and adored. (2) No hope of being useful in the cause of God without a portion of this spirit. (The Preacher.) Parallel Verses KJV: 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. |
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