Even though most of the people in Malachi’s days weren’t serving the Lord properly, God made sure that there were still some who faithfully served him. The Lord always keeps a remnant (a small group) of true believers. God promised those faithful believers that their names are written in the book of remembrance. They are the Lord’s own people, as precious as jewels to him. And the Lord tells you the same. As God’s beloved child, your name is also in the book of remembrance. You are also precious to the Lord, and the Lord will keep you close to him.

Verse 16 tells us that these faithful believers really feared the Lord. This means they loved the Lord, believed in him, and worshiped him. They praised the Lord for his greatness and awe. They marveled at his work in their lives and in creation around them.

Malachi says that they meditated on the Name of God. To meditate means that they spent time thinking about God and his attributes. This means that they thought about the great things they knew about God. They would have thought about things like his power, his love, his care and his forgiveness. Then they would have praised God for it.

These believers also spoke together about the Lord and his marvelous acts. Do you spend time together with your friends talking about the Lord? Instead of talking about sport or a movie or your new clothes, it would be a good idea to talk about the things the Lord is doing in your life.

And what about meditating on the work of the Lord? Do you do that? Maybe you can try that as you walk to school or relax in the evenings. Think about the fact that God is eternal, that he has no beginning and will never end. Think about God’s love in sending his beloved Son to die on the cross. Think about God’s wonderful power in creating the whole world. Meditate on God’s wonderful acts.

Reflection with your child:

What does it mean that your name is in the book of remembrance?