Book of Remembrance
.
Malachi 3:16-17
Then those who feared the Lord spoke with one another; the Lord heeded and heard them, and a book of remembrance was written before him of those who feared the Lord and thought on his name. "They shall be mine, says the Lord of hosts, my special possession on the day when I act, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him."
Hebrews 10:17 KJV
Their sins and iniquities will I remember no more.
Luke 23:43
Jesus said unto him, Verily I say unto thee, Today shalt thou be with me in paradise.
What a loving, gracious God we worship! We are His special possessions – that is what he will remember at the end of time – not our sins. None of them. When I think about this, it really is just mind-boggling, isn’t it?! None of the selfish, self-involved, sinful acts we have ever done will be remembered on judgment day – God’s only to ask one question: “Did you fear me and think about me when you planned your life?”
Oh . . . well, I do think about Him. Every moment? No . . . every hour? Sometimes . . . Every day? Yes . . . Do I sit down and pray about every decision? Do I rest in silence and call upon the Holy Spirit to guide my thoughts and my plans? Sometimes . . . Do I pray? Sometimes . . . I think I’m making my point – and I’m speaking only for my own life here! God has promised us perfection at the second coming. How is it possible that we don’t make a more concerted effort to seek Him and His counsel while we’re on this earth?
The verse from Luke recounts the words Jesus said to one of the criminals who was crucified with Him. The thief realized, as he hung there near death, that this man truly was the Son of God. So gracious and merciful is our God that even if we don’t “see the light” until the moment of our death, it is enough for salvation. I don’t really know how many ways it can be said! In light of the all-encompassing, all-surpassing love and forgiveness, mercy and grace of our God, how can we not strive for perfection – knowing and accepting that we will achieve it only in the next life – yet strive still?
Our names will be written in the Book of Life! To continue, would, I imagine become repetitive – though some things are worth repeating over and over again. Like, “Thank you Good and Gracious God.”
My prayer today is that you will meditate upon God’s goodness, mercy and love. And that you extend His grace to everyone you meet today.
Mary
