Malachi (Quality: Good)

[0:00] As the Lord may be pleased to help me, I'll try and speak a little to you from words you will find in the book of Malachi chapter 3 and we read verse 16.

[0:14] Malachi chapter 3 verse 16. Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened and heard it.

[0:25] And the book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord and that thought upon his name. Malachi chapter 3 and verse 16.

[0:43] They were solemn days in which Malachi had to labor as a prophet of the Lord. He was one of those faithful messengers that God sent to his ancient people.

[0:58] And he was indeed the last of the prophets. And there are those things in this prophecy recorded which remind us of the sad condition that the nation was in at that time altogether.

[1:15] And even those who professed to worship God, there was much insincerity. And there are many things which really describe these sad and solemn days in which we now live.

[1:37] And in this land of ours, even amongst those who profess religion, what insincerity there is. And those who profess to be leaders in the professing church.

[1:51] Really blind leaders of the blind. And Malachi in his day had a word of, a solemn word of warning, even to the priests.

[2:01] For they despised God's name. And they were insincere in their office as priests.

[2:14] And no doubt this had a very solemn effect upon the people. And then we find that Malachi had to speak words of solemn reproof to the people.

[2:27] And remind them of how they had walked contrary to the Lord. How they had robbed him of his honour and his worship.

[2:41] And many things that they did. And how they despised the cause of God and truth. Much insincerity. Well, in these sad and solemn days.

[2:55] Dark days they were. We find that there were those who did fear God. And their text reminds us that there were those who did fear the Lord.

[3:08] And gave evidence that they did possess that gracious heavenly principle within their hearts. Because it had an outward effect upon them.

[3:21] You see, if you and I have the great mercy to possess this treasure from heaven. The fear of the Lord. It will influence our lips and lives.

[3:35] There will be the fruit of godly fear. And although it may well be. As we try and consider these things. We have to confess. That we feel to come very far short.

[3:48] In seeking to live. As becomes those who profess his name. Those who profess to fear God. Yet what a mercy.

[3:59] If the desire is there. But our text reminds us. That down to the changing scenes of the world's history. God has had his people.

[4:13] And here we see them as it were. A little remnant. In the midst of a multitude of people. There's not anything to suggest. They were a great company.

[4:26] But they were a blessed company. And indeed they were a favoured company. And God's eye was upon his people. And indeed his ear was open to the things that they expressed.

[4:42] And there's something about this to remind us. That we are before God. That whether we fear his name or no.

[4:53] We are before a holy. And a heart searching God. We can never escape. His notice. But our text reminds us.

[5:03] That the Lord does take. Particular notice. He looks graciously. Upon his dear people. Although they may be despised. And no doubt.

[5:14] These who feared the Lord. In Malachi's day. Were despised. By many of the. Religious professors. But they were dear. In God's sight.

[5:27] God honoured these people. And what a mercy dear friends. If there is that desire. That rises up in our hearts.

[5:37] From time to time. Or to be found amongst them. Or to be found amongst them. Do we view the. People of God. As a.

[5:48] As a blessed people. As a favoured people. An honoured people. Although. A despised people. You know when the psalmist.

[5:59] Expressed his design. Prayer before God. It's so evident. He looked around as it were. And discerned. And discerned. The people of God. And he.

[6:10] His heart was drawn out. With regard to them. And his prayer was this. Wasn't it? Remember me. Oh Lord. With the favour that thou bearest.

[6:21] Unto thy people. Oh visit me. With thy salvation. Or are there some. In this company. This morning. Who. Can.

[6:32] Use those words. Not just as it were. To repeat them. As empty words. But to be the expression. And desire. Of the heart. Yes.

[6:43] To have an interest. In the favour. That God does bear. To his people. Well. In our text before us. It has given us.

[6:54] One of the characteristics. Of this people. In this very definite. And clear way. Them that. Feared the Lord. This is the distinction.

[7:07] This is the. Characteristic of this people. You see there were many. Who did not fear the Lord. And Malachi. Just speaks.

[7:17] In very solemn words. Concerning those. Who feared not God. And you see. In the life they lived. And the things they did. Gave solemn evidence.

[7:28] That they were destitute. Of the fear of God. And exercise in their hearts. But here is a people. By nature. No different than the others.

[7:39] But a people. Wrought upon by the spirit of God. And one evidence of this. Is that they did possess.

[7:51] The fear of God in their hearts. They that feared the Lord. We understand this fear. As not a slavish fear.

[8:02] There is a fear. Which is known by the wicked. A fear. Which will fill them. With terror. And indeed.

[8:15] Utter confusion. At that last great day. And this chapter reminds us. That there will be. That great day. When the Lord will. Make up his jewels.

[8:27] And it will then be made very clear. Who fear God. And who do not fear him. And. Those who do not fear him. The wicked.

[8:38] Will know what it is then. To have in their hearts. That terrible. Fearfulness. And afraid of the judgments of God.

[8:49] Which will come. So. Heavily upon him. For their sin. But this fear is something quite different. This is a.

[9:00] Holy filial fear. It is a precious principle. That God in his mercy. Implants. In the hearts of poor sinners. And we have much in the word of God.

[9:12] Concerning this principle of godly fear. And while it is. If we are helped to search our hearts. As to whether. We have any evidence.

[9:23] Of possessing. This. It is a priceless treasure. The fear of God. In our hearts. Because it is a distinguishing principle.

[9:36] It is God's grace. You know grace. Is distinguishing isn't it. It distinguished these people in Malachi's day. Yes. They couldn't go with the.

[9:51] Ungodly. They couldn't feel any union to the dead professors. But. They were drawn together. In the.

[10:03] Spirit of. The fear of the Lord. And what a mercy dear friends. If. You and I know just a little of what it is. To be drawn together.

[10:14] In that way. In the fear of God. And for these. Who fear God. To be. Our. Companions. The dear psalmist.

[10:27] In the 119th Psalm. Has a word like this. Doesn't he. Says. I'm a companion. Of all them that fear thee. And of them that keep thy precepts. Precepts. You may well be under.

[10:41] Stress. And. Maybe the temptations of the enemy. You may be much troubled sometimes. Because. You. You cannot see your signs. And.

[10:52] It may be perhaps. Things are brought into question. And they are sometimes. And the Lord does. By various means. Try. His people.

[11:06] But. When. In the midst of this. What a mercy. If you can. As it were. In spirit. Join with the dear psalmist. When he said.

[11:16] I'm a companion. Of them that fear thee. And of them that keep thy precepts. You know. Who you desire to be with.

[11:29] You know. Who. You feel a union to. We read about the apostles. In the acts of the apostles. How that.

[11:40] When they were let go. They went to their own company. Didn't they? Now you know. Those who fear God's. Holy name. Those who. Possess that principle.

[11:51] It is that. Which does sometimes. In spirit. Unite them. And. When let go. As it were. From. Perhaps. A daily calling.

[12:03] Having. By reason of this. Having to mix with the world. Then to be set free. And not the apostles. To go to your own company.

[12:14] And what a mercy. If your company. Are those who. Fear. God's great and holy name. To be a companion. Of them.

[12:25] That fear thee. Yes. And that keep thy precepts. Well. Our text then reminds us. Of this little remnant.

[12:36] It doesn't tell us. How big it is. How small it is. But no doubt. It was in the minority. But. How distinguished they were.

[12:47] And how the word of God. Does distinguish them in this way. So that it follows on. You see. From.

[12:57] Words of. Sharp. Reproof. And rebuke. To the infidelity. Of the people. In the things of God. And then we suddenly.

[13:08] Come to this. Then. Thy that feared the Lord. Spake often. One to another. And friends.

[13:18] It is a mercy. If we know. Just a little of what it is. To come within the. Secret of this word. In that it bespeaks. A. Gracious union.

[13:30] That which. Draws. The people of God together. And no doubt. In Malachi's day. When. There was much ungodliness. Much infidelity. Much sin.

[13:41] These. Knew what it was. To. Be drawn together. In a spirit of love.

[13:52] And. A gracious union. In the things of God. And this being so. They could converse. Then they that feared the Lord.

[14:04] Spake often. One to another. But I feel. We do well. To. Just consider. A little. With regard to this principle. Of the fear of the Lord.

[14:16] And remembering. What the word of God. Tells us. Concerning it. And. It is safe. To. Consider. What the word of God says. Far better than.

[14:28] As it were. Having our own opinion. About things. But. What saith the scriptures. Well. One thing. The scripture declares.

[14:38] Is this. That the fear of the Lord. Is the beginning of wisdom. So that those who. Possess this. Blessed principle.

[14:49] In their hearts. Are put in. Wisdom's ways. Are caused to walk in. Wisdom's ways. They are delivered from the.

[15:00] Ways of folly and sin. And. Are put in. Wisdom's ways. And. There is that way. That leads to heaven.

[15:12] The way the Lord leads. His dear people. And. The. Word. Tells us then. That the fear of the Lord. Is the beginning of wisdom.

[15:22] Wisdom. Yes. Those who possess. This principle. Are. Yes. Step by step.

[15:34] Made wise unto salvation. The beginning of wisdom. It shows us then. How precious. This principle is.

[15:44] Do we possess it. Do we and I possess it. What evidence have we. Of possessing this godly fear. In our hearts. Have we been taught.

[15:55] Our own folly. You know. If we are. Blessed. Yes. With the beginnings of wisdom. One way the Lord sees fit.

[16:08] To. Bring home his truth. To the heart. Is this. That. He teaches. That poor sinners. Their own folly. Yes. Their own folly. Their own helplessness.

[16:20] Their own weakness. Their own sinfulness. And then. To be led. Yes. In wisdom's ways. And to be led.

[16:31] To him. Whose wisdom itself. Even the Lord Jesus Christ. Who is the wisdom of God. He who has made wisdom. To his people. So in this fear.

[16:44] Of the Lord. The scripture tells us. It is the. Beginning of wisdom. Friends. Friends. What a mercy it is. To have a right beginning. Is well.

[16:55] Sometimes. Look back. Over the pathway. Isn't it. And search out. If we can. As we may be enabled. As to whether. We had a right beginning. Yes.

[17:09] To be. Put in the. Wisdom's way. To possess this. Godly fear in our hearts. But then. The scripture tells us also.

[17:20] That. This. Fear of the Lord. It is clean. It is a clean principle. A clean principle. Launched in the heart.

[17:33] Of a poor sinner. And that godly fear. Will work in the heart. In this way. Causing. Such in one. To hate sin.

[17:44] Yes. To hate what he is by nature. To have to mourn over it. These who fear the Lord. Are true mourners. Over their sins. But they were mourners.

[17:56] After God. And that which is right. And good in his sight. Because the fear of the Lord. And one hymn writer. Has put it like this. Hasn't he? An unctuous light.

[18:08] To what is right. And a battle that's wrong. And the scripture tells us. That the fear of the Lord. Is clean. And. That the fear of the Lord.

[18:18] Is to hate evil. To hate evil. What a distinguishing principle it is. Isn't it? You see. Evil abounds.

[18:29] Doesn't it? Ever since the day that Adam fell. Evil has abounded in the earth. And increased. But how many.

[18:41] Hate evil. Just as many. As the Lord is pleased to deal with. By his sovereign grace and mercy. And implant this principle. This holy principle.

[18:52] This clean principle. Within their heart. whereby they do hate evil. Yes. The fear of the Lord. Is to hate evil. But then I do like to.

[19:05] To think of this. What the scripture tells us also. You see. Those that fear the Lord. They possess. A living religion. Because the word of God.

[19:17] Tells us. That. The fear of the Lord. Is a fountain of life. A fountain of life. You see. It is like a spring.

[19:29] There is something. Which the Lord. Implants by his spirit. Within the heart of a poor sinner. That springs up as it were. Doesn't the psalmist. End that little psalm.

[19:40] 87. With those words. He says. All my springs. Are in thee. Yes. That's the springs of life. And the fear of the Lord.

[19:51] Is described in the scripture. Like as a fountain of life. To depart. From the snares of death. Or to have a living religion. You know.

[20:03] The word of God. Speaks about. A dead religion. Doesn't it. Yes. Those who have a. A form of godliness. Without the power.

[20:15] What a solemn condition. To be in. God. But those who fear God. They cannot be satisfied. With a. A form of religion. They want reality.

[20:28] And friends. It is a mercy. If you seek after this. And sometimes. It may be the burden. Of your prayer. Yes. To be made right. To be kept right. To be made right.

[20:39] To be kept right. Yes. To be found. Amongst those. Do fear. His great and holy name. It is a fountain of life then.

[20:51] A living principle. Within the heart. So distinct. From. Just a. A dead professor. And you see. The mercy is this.

[21:03] Although. These who fear the Lord. Have to mourn. Over their sins. And sometimes. Mourn. Because. They feel so much. Death within. Yet. The Lord. Will maintain. That principle.

[21:15] As a fountain of life. It springs from him. It springs from the Lord. Jesus Christ. Who is the life. Of his people. And he will maintain that. Yes.

[21:27] He will deal with them. And maintain that life. At times. He is pleased to revive it. What a great word that was.

[21:37] Was spoken by the Lord. Jesus Christ. To the woman. At Jacob's well. Well. Speaking about the. Water that. He gives. As distinct from the.

[21:49] Water of Jacob's well. And Jesus speaks about water. Doesn't he. As being a. Well of water. Springing up. Into everlasting life. And for it to be in.

[22:01] The poor sinner. And it is in the poor sinner. Because the Lord implants it there. That. Well of living water.

[22:12] The life of God in the soul. The source of it. In the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus said to the woman. Didn't he. If thou knewest the gift of God. And who it is that said to thee.

[22:24] Give me to drink. Thou wouldest have. Asked of him. You have given thee living water. Well this fear of the Lord. It is living water as it were.

[22:37] It is a life of God in the soul. It is a fountain of life. To depart. From the snares of death. Such then. Is a fear of the Lord.

[22:49] And then we would notice this. That. Where the fear of God is. In exercise. It will produce. A holy reverence. It will be preservative.

[23:01] From. Bold presumption. Because the fear of the Lord. Brings home to a poor sinner. Something of the.

[23:12] Majesty and holiness of God. And the things that belong to him. Are holy things. His worship. Is a holy matter. His word.

[23:25] Is a holy word. And where the fear of God. Is an exercise. There will be reverence. Yes. Before him. He was a holy God.

[23:39] Holy and reverence is name. The word of God tells us. And at the fear of the Lord. In the heart. Will produce. A spirit of reverence. To be a sense of the majesty.

[23:50] And holiness of God. Though we cannot comprehend God. Our poor finite minds. Are very limited. But. The Lord by his spirit.

[24:01] Will bring home. From time to time. Something of the majesty. And holiness of God. God. And good it is. When this. Holy fear.

[24:12] Is an exercise in the heart. In that way. To bring home to the sinner. Something of the holiness of God. And the majesty of God. And therefore.

[24:22] Things pertain. To the worship of God. Will be a preservative. For all that is. Light. And. Unbecoming. In the worship of God.

[24:34] It will be a preservative. From these things. They that feared the Lord. We might go on. In thinking of. Various aspects.

[24:44] Of the fear of God. But let us notice the text. Christ. Then they that feared the Lord. Spake often one to another. First. We see here.

[24:55] How it united them. They could dwell together. They could live together. Yes. They could speak together. And.

[25:06] There were those. Matters. Which. They could. As it were. Converse. Together in. And no doubt. It was in this way. Concerning.

[25:17] The things of God. No doubt. These who feared God. Sometimes. Had to speak. One to another. With regard to the sad days. They lived in. The solemn things.

[25:28] That took place. Around them. Both in the profane. And the professing world. And surely. It has to be said. Doesn't it. That. Those who fear God.

[25:40] In these days. It is a burden. At times. When such. Consider. The times. In which they live. The sinfulness. That abounds.

[25:51] The profanity. Abroad. And. The. The dead profession. Of religion. And the many errors.

[26:03] That seem to creep in. In one way. Or another. Well. It is something. That burdens. Those who fear God. And no doubt.

[26:14] These who feared. The Lord. And spake. One to another. Had to consider. The sad times. In which they lived. And no doubt. This was a burden. To them. But then.

[26:26] Surely. They could. Commune together. With regard to. The mercy. And grace. And love of God.

[26:37] To sinners. Because in those. Far off days. The Lord. Was pleased. At times. Through his prophets.

[26:48] To. Make known. His purposes. Of grace. Yes. To his dear people. And. We have indications.

[26:59] Of this. In this. In this chapter. Where. We. Read that. The Lord.

[27:10] The promise. Of the Lord's blessing. Proving. Now herewith. Sath the Lord of hosts. If not open. You will. The windows of heaven. And pour. You had a blessing. There should not be room enough.

[27:22] To receive it. And surely. These who feared God. In these dark days. Would. Ponder these things together. And things with respect.

[27:33] To the Lord's. Gracious promise. The promise of. A blessing. A blessing to be poured out. And I'm sure.

[27:44] These who feared the Lord. Felt in their hearts. It a deep need. For that blessing. To be poured out. And dear friends. It is a mercy.

[27:54] If sometimes. You have that need. In your. Own heart. That the Lord would. Pour out a blessing. Upon you. Yes. In your soul. Individually.

[28:05] And then. You have to be. Know. And then of course. Collectively. The Lord would open. The windows of heaven. And let down. A blessing. Even such.

[28:15] There should not be room enough. To receive it. and surely these who feared God sometimes they would speak hopefully you see it was not all dark was it and what a mercy dear friends it is still like that isn't it there may be and there are dark days we live in solemn days there is much to distress those who fear God but it is not all dark is it no the Lord has a favour toward his people the Lord will perform his purposes toward his dear people his watchful eyes ever upon his dear people whatever the times may be in which they are found to live in God's eye is upon them for good we have many scriptures to bear that truth God's eye is upon those who fear him and those who hope in his mercy so that it is not all dark but there is as it were that rav hope and Malachi was the prophet who had to set forth that day which would come when the son of righteousness would arise with healing his wings what a prospect though it's a dark day there is you see the promise of the morning the rising of the sun the Lord's gracious appearing and how that was fulfilled when the dear son of God came down into this world to save sinners yes and to redeem them from all iniquity to atone for their sin and make a way whereby

[30:06] God could be gracious to poor sinners well this brings hope and you know those who fear God the Lord does larger sweet hope in their hearts I know sometimes it may be very dim yes and those who have gone before have known what it is for their hope to grow very dim at times but the Lord watches over his people in their darkness and in their felt need and sometimes perhaps almost to despair but the Lord revives the hope yes well these who feared God in these days and this little remnant there was something which united them and they could walk together they could speak together they love the same things they mourned over the same things they could enter a little into one another's experience as it were and how true this is and while each are led individuals as it were and God in his sovereign mercy deals with one another as he sees fit but you see all possessing this principle it unites it unites them in the fear of God then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another and now the text reminds us the Lord took notice of these he lent as it were his listening ear how the scripture comes down to us doesn't it in these ways and the Lord hearkened and heard it it bespeaks

[31:57] I would speak reverently here it bespeaks a listening attitude yes the Lord listens to his people these who fear the Lord as they speak one to another and no doubt these of whom the text speaks of as they did convert honouring to his name yes although they had to speak of their fears their weakness their foreboding sometimes yet they could speak of their hope which was alone in the Lord and that the Lord hearkened to them it reminds us doesn't it the Lord hears everything the din and the noise of the world enters his ears as it were yes but the cry of the needy enters his ears and those who know it is his to dwell together in the unity of the spirit and in the worship of God the Lord hearkens yes he listens to them and you see there's remembrance as it were the figure the figure before us of course is a book of remembrance and this is as though the Lord writes these down in his book in the revelation we read of the the book of life the Lamb's book of life and these who fear God are written in that book yes the Lamb's book of life written there as it were indebtably well they can never be it can never be rubbed off what is written in that book it shows to us the mercy that surrounds these who fear God yes they are written in his book that they belong to him and they're numbered by him man cannot number that number it is spoken of as a number which no man can number but God knows the number everyone has an interest in his everlasting love yes and in the atoning work of the Lord Jesus Christ they're all numbered amongst these they're all written in this book the book of life and the Lord hearkened and heard it and the book of remembrance was written before him for them that for them that feared the Lord and then there's this word here and a thought upon his name how how the word of God comes right down as it were to the poor sinner in his lowest state and it may well be when perhaps we try and consider things concerning those who fear God and perhaps as you weigh matters up within the question arises do I fear God what evidence have I of possessing this principle within my heart there may be sometimes many questionings many temptations but how kindly the word is isn't it now what

[35:27] God's word is a is a solemn word it is a searching word but it will be a solemn word to those who fear God it will be a searching word to those who fear God but then it is also a kindly word a condescending word and the Lord in his word here comes right down as it were to the lowest those that thought upon his name those that thought upon his name there is a wonderful connection here isn't there yes those in whose hearts this fear is implanted these are the ones who have thoughts thoughts upon his name the Lord's name and those thoughts surely embrace desires there's a wonderful word in Isaiah isn't there the desire of our soul is to thy name and to remembrance of thee and here the text tells us concerning those who think upon his name and thought upon his name it's a great mercy to your friends you know if sometimes your thoughts are toward him we have many thoughts alas we may have sinful thoughts arising out because of what we are by nature but what a mercy of sometimes there are thoughts yes upon his name is there something attractive in the name of the

[37:10] Lord the dear Lord Jesus Christ himself is he precious in your felt need of him do you sometimes think upon his name thinking upon his name there are there desires that arise in your heart unworthy though you may feel to be and sinful yet a desire yes a longing to know him as your God to realise amidst all your fears and faintings that you belong to him well these that think upon his name yes they are heavenward thoughts aren't they why many of our thoughts are earthly aren't they we have to confess we are often bound with earthly things true there are the lawful vocations of life that demand much thinking sometimes especially those in business in these days and thoughts are directed in that way and must needs be they want a mercy if there are other thoughts as well these are upward thoughts these heavenly thoughts these thoughts which are really expressions of desire toward the

[38:44] Lord you know it is a great mercy if sometimes your thoughts are directed in this way the Lord deals with his people doesn't he to bring them to think upon him and to look to him mine goes for a moment to the case of poor Jonah and although he was a prophet and he was commissioned by the Lord to go to a certain place to Nineveh and to proclaim the message of the Lord in judgment and Jonah turned aside he didn't follow that divine direction and he brought himself into great trouble the Lord dealt with him and the poor man is found in the fish his belly such a helpless and hopeless case where he wasn't in position and yet he was one of the

[39:44] Lord's people disobedient prophet yes but he was one who feared God and the Lord dealt with him but the point I want to make is this you read the second chapter of Jonah and there we have some revelation as it were of the exercise that poor Jonah passed through when he was in that strange position and amongst other things he he speaks of this he says when my soul fainted within me I remember the Lord yes his thoughts went toward the Lord no doubt he felt much ashamed he realised he had transgressed God was dealing with him solemnly and yet in love and he felt to be a fainting Jonah but he says I remembered the Lord and God remembered him and his prayer came in before the

[40:49] Lord and he said although I am cast out of thy sight yet I will look again toward thy holy temple yes and he remembered the Lord and his prayer came in unto the Lord even though he was in such a strange place well thoughts you see were brought into his mind and the Lord does in his dealing sometimes causes people that their thoughts may be toward him yes though there may be sometimes thoughts that bring shame yes confession of sin and yet desires of mercy and the Lord regards these oh what evidence we have in the scripture the Lord does regard the prayer of his people even when they may be brought into low places and cannot lay claim to great things I think of that word he will regard the prayer of the destes who do not despise their prayer and what a mercy that is dear friends it may be sometimes when you consider matters and you have thoughts yes with regard to your case and state before God your thoughts toward him and you feel so destitute but what a mercy if there is a feeble desire in the heart the Lord doesn't despise these things and so you see here before us in this matter concerning

[42:29] Malachi's commission as he went forth to prophesy to the nation those solemn days although those solemn words of reproof against sin and much sinfulness we have this wonderful word concerning those who did fear the Lord's great and holy name and God's eye upon him his ear open to them and his thoughts toward them the Lord said to his people of old I know the thoughts I think toward you said the Lord thoughts of peace and not of evil to give you an expected end Amen shall we conclude this morning by singing hymn number 911 to the tune

[43:43] Overhill 343 hymn number 911 when saint to saint in days of old their sorrows sins and sufferings told Jesus the friend of sinners dear his saints to bless was present there 9 11