SCRIPTURE
"Your words against Me are harsh," says the LORD.
Yet you ask: "What have we spoken against you?"
You have said: "It is useless to serve God. What have we gained by keeping His requirements and walking mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? So now we consider the arrogant to be fortunate. Not only do those who commit wickedness prosper, they even test God and escape.
At that time those who feared the LORD spoke to one another. The LORD took notice and listened. So a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who feared Yahweh and had high regard for His name. "They will be Mine," says the LORD of Hosts,"a special possession on the day I am preparing. I will have compassion on them as a man has compassion on his son who serves him. So you will again see the difference between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him. (Malachi 3:13-18)
OBSERVATION
God was reprimanding his people through the prophet Malachi. They were complaining that there was no benefit to serving him. There was nothing to gain by following his word. Arrogant and wicked people, those who did not worship God, were prosperous and seemed to escape God's notice. So God comes back and says in effect, "You don't know what you're talking about. I do remember your service. I'm ultimately preparing a day when the distinction between those who serve me and those who don't will be made pretty clear."
APPLICATION
I get Malachi. Sometimes I too can adopt the "what's the use" attitude when it comes to following Jesus. I have heartache and trouble like people who don't follow God. In fact, at times, it seems like their life is even better. They can do whatever they want. They don't have to get up early for church, try to serve other people, or live according to God's word. Then I realize it's not all about the here and now. God does remember and there will come a day when all accounts are settled. My reward does not come in this lifetime. I'm not guranteed wealth, health, and success. That comes in eternity. So in the meantime, I'll keep on serving because I know God will not forget his special possession--people who serve him no matter what happens.
PRAYER
Lord, thank you for reminding me about eternity. Even though right now there does not seem to be a difference between those who serve you and those who don't, you do not forget and you will reward your servants on the day you have prepared.
