I Will Raise My Glass

Malachi 3:16; "Then those who feared the LORD spoke to one another, and the LORD listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the LORD and who meditate on His name."

I think it's interesting who the book was written for. It was written for those who fear God, not for God. So, I wouldn't interpret it as being God's record keeping either for future admonition or future rebuking. Rather, as his staff comforting us.

Historically, when shepherds would go out for extended periods of time to tend the sheep and take care of other needs, they would write their favorite passages of Scripture upon their staffs as a reminder of God's goodness and nearness.

I think this book of remembrance served the same purpose for those Malachi writes of. Also, that although maybe in different form, God has preserved this book in the hearts of his children today. A work that is never finished. Written upon by saints for thousands of years, continued to be penned by each one of us as we observe the providence and grace of God in the most beautiful and the most dark of times.

I can't help but get the imagery of a work that's finally bound at the end of time. That when we approach that table with family, friends, and saints long past, that there might be a copy waiting at each seat. That there we might raise our glass of wine and each, one by one, take our turns remembering and declaring, "This is what He did..."