They That Feared the LORD

John 3:16 is a very familiar Bible verse for Christians, but as we close out 2021 there is another "3:16" that I want to mention. I use a daily Bible reading plan (available to download - see the link above) that keeps me disciplined in reading God's word throughout the year, and today I finished the Old Testament with the book of Malachi. 

It is Malachi 3:16 that I wanted to mention, specifically the first part of the verse:

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another, and the LORD harkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name." Malachi 3:16

An excerpt from Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible regarding the people the LORD is speaking about reads: "They spake often one to another. They kept up the communion of saints. By mutual exhortation they strengthened each other's hands in the Lord." And although this was written regarding Godly Jews in Israel under the old covenant, there is an application that is confirmed for us in the new covenant:

"Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching." Hebrews 10:23-25

We who have trusted in Jesus Christ must walk together through this world, to encourage one another, pray for one another, and serve one another throughout the days and weeks and years of our pilgrimage here. We need one another, so take time or make time to be a "doer of the word" in this regard. Redeem the time (Ephesians 5:16); pray about it, and then follow the leading of God's Holy Spirit in living out this part of the Christian life.

Maranatha!