DRAWING NEAR A LESSON FROM MALACHI God Himself reacted to the faithfulness of those who feared Him. He had the prophet record His reaction for our edification. It is clear from His statement that these people were not engaged in casual conversation, but is group communication. "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" (Mal 3:16-17). -- Tomorrow:
"Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, by a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh; and having an high priest over the house of God; let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water." (Heb 10:19-22)
Devotion 14 of 16
"And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works." (Heb 10:24).
Exhortation is the practical aspect of a sound theology. Therein, men are urged to bring their lives into comportment with the revealed purpose of God. In this particular exhortation we learn even more of the nature of our salvation. Not only is it based upon the accomplishments and present work of Jesus, it also requires our complete involvement. But that is not all – we also need the influence of the people of God, and they need ours. God considers His people (Psa 34:15,17). It is certainly in order that we do so. "And let us consider one another in order to stir up love and good works, not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as is the manner of some, but exhorting one another."
Our consideration of one another is not on a fleshly level. While we do minister to the temporal needs of our brethren as required, our consideration of them is much broader, extending into the realm of the spirit. Our good deeds toward them, as well as our words and personal actions, are to "stir up love and good works" within them. It is true, some believe they do not require this sort of stimulation or motivation, but they are wrong. The Spirit has spoken, and it is our obligation to hear what he is saying to the churches.
The fact that saints need to be "stirred up" confirms they are in a warfare. The "good fight of faith" tends to deplete our resources and diminish our efforts. This condition is not a sin, but is rather a fact with which we must contend. God has made provision for our strength to be renewed, and our love and good works to be stirred up. This appointed way requires a personal identity with the Lord Himself, which involves coming to Him. It also necessitates exposure to other pilgrims en route to the promised land.
How is it that this consideration is to be manifested? "Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together!" When you are tempted to do so, obey the word of the Lord, and do NOT forsake gathering with the people of God. One of my favorite texts on this subject is found in the book of Malachi. His prophecy was given during a very difficult time. The priests were negligent of their duties, the prophets prophesied falsely, and the people were robbing God. In every way, the state of the nation lay in shambles, with abuse and neglect dominating nearly every aspect of life. It was NOT a time conducive to growth in things pertaining to God. Still, even at that time, there was a group of people that held their profession fast, as it was. It is said of them, "Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another." They did not allow the depravity of the times to deprive them of the godly influence of one another. As corruption increased, these people grew closer together. They did not speak once in a while to one another but "often" (KJV). Other versions say they "talked with each other," but there is no conflict. The idea is one of constant, continual, or regular communication. They did NOT forsake the assembling of themselves together!
This admonition is not confined to one person communing with another. In fact, that is not its intent at all. The word used here is means assembling together . . . a congregation increased by additions – to gather together, assembly, gathering, meeting. There is no substitute for the assembly of God's people. It is an event with which men must not tamper.
If this were the only verse in the Scriptures on the subject, it could still provoke frequent gathering of the faithful. The Lord Himself "listened" to the words these faithful spoke to one another. But it was not a casual listening, He "heard" what they said, giving particular attention to their words, and finding delight in them. The gatherings were noted in heaven, and a book of remembrance was written "concerning" them! They were the subjects of Divine recollection – blessed thought! He viewed their communication as honoring His Name!
And what will He do with this book of remembrance – the recollection of their gatherings? He affirms these very people will be exclusively His. The identity will take place when He makes up His "jewels," or "treasured possession" (NIV). He will also spare them, having compassion upon them as a man who spares a serving son. When men speak with one another concerning the things of God, it does have a blessed effect – upon the Lord Himself!
PRAYER POINT: Father, I thank You in Jesus name for the privilege and profitability of gathering together with Your people.