We Gather Together
Scripture Reading: Malachi 3:16
Then those who feared the LORD spoke with one another. The LORD paid attention and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.
In Malachi, one of the issues addressed is the complaints of the people. Just before the verse quoted above, it is said that some were speaking against the Lord, saying “It is vain to serve God. What is the profit of our keeping his charge or of walking as in mourning before the Lord of hosts?”
While this was the predominant attitude, there was a remnant who felt otherwise. They feared the Lord. Interestingly, the primary characteristic of these God-fearers was that they “spoke with one another.” Obviously, it doesn’t mean that they got together and talked about the weather or the latest show they had seen. It means that they spoke to each other about the Lord and their spiritual lives.
The value of Christian fellowship can’t be overstated. Christians are meant to gather. The church is a gathering body of people. The church was launched out of a group of 120 people gathered in an upper room. While there might be circumstances where gathering is impossible (say someone with a debilitating health issue or someone who is a missionary in a remote area of the world), that is the exception and not the norm.
Notice who takes notice of these gatherings. “The LORD paid attention and heard them,” Malachi writes. Not only does He pay attention and listen, but He also has “a book of remembrance written before him of those who feared the LORD and esteemed his name.”
While you gather with God’s people this morning, God sees and hears and remembers.
Don’t forsake the assembling.
Encouraging word from the WORD!