WHEN GOD GATHERS HIS JEWELS

"Then they that feared the LORD spake often one to another: and the LORD hearkened, and heard it, and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the LORD, and that thought upon his name.  And they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts, in that day when I make up my jewels; and I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him." - Malachi 3:16-17

What do you treasure most?  If you're like most Americans, you probably value your family greatly.  If you're a Christian, you probably would say that you value Christ most, followed by family.  But what does God treasure?

Malachi 3:16-17 gives us precious insight about a subject that few think about.  God will have a collection of jewels in heaven.  No, I'm not referring to the precious jewels that compose the foundation of heaven.  In our text, the Bible says that God will soon gather His jewels.  His jewels are actually people.  Not necessarily rich, famous or powerful people, but those who are precious to Him.

I want you to notice several things about the people that God treasures as His jewels.

First of all, our text indicates that His jewels are "...them that feared the LORD."  I don't ever recall hearing a sermon that concentrated specifically on the fear of God.  These days, "the fear of God," is an unpopular topic --- even among professing believers.  In this age of cheap grace, we have emphasized subjects like love, mercy & grace; but we've eliminated the subjects of holiness, judgment and righteousness.  What does it mean to fear God?  Does it indicate that we are to be afraid of God?  For the believer, our fear of God should be a healthy reverence and respect for God.  Yes, there should be a fear of His chastisement.  There should be a fear of disappointing Him.  There ought to be a fear of severing intimate fellowship with Him when we disobey.  Our fear of Him is based upon fact and not emotional rhetoric.  God treasures those who have a healthy reverence of Him.  God is keeping "a book of remembrance."  He has not overlooked or forgotten those who belong to Him or the work they have done in His Name!

Secondly, our text indicates that His jewels are those, "...that thought upon his name..."  Basically, God treasures those who treasure Him.  Is God in your thoughts daily?  Is He the subject of your meditation?  Those who reverently treasure God above all things will be the jewels He will gather soon.

Finally, our text informs us that His jewels are a prized, personal possession, "... they shall be mine, saith the LORD of hosts."  Those who fear and treasure Him are a valued possession of our Lord.  Notice that these jewels will soon be gathered:  "...in that day when I make up my jewels."  Our Lord is coming soon.  He is not coming for everyone.  Instead, He is coming for just a chosen few.  He is coming to gather His jewels.  These are they who will be "saved from the wrath to come." (1 Thessalonians 1:10).  In fact, our text states, "I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him."  God will take care of His own possession!

God is in the jewel business.  Through His saving grace, filthy sinners are transformed into precious jewels.  He is coming to gather His jewels soon & will display them in heaven ... all for His glory. 

Will you be among that number?