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 3:17.

What we cherish is always closest to our hearts and most valuable to us. If you are a parent or grandparent, or have spent any time with one, you know how much they treasure their children and grandchildren. In the same way, our good and loving Heavenly Father loves us even more.

Yet, that old arch-enemy of our souls, Satan and his demonic forces, will slyly influence God’s beloved children to believe that we are not loved, outright forgotten, and that all hope is lost, especially when things aren’t going according to a perceived timetable in life! But God assures us of His enduring love through every season.  “I have loved you, saith the Lord. Yet ye say, Wherein hast thou loved us? Was not Esau Jacob’s brother? saith the Lord: yet I loved Jacob,” Malachi 1:2.

The prophet Malachi prophesied around 430 B. C. during the post-exilic era. Many of the Israelites who had returned to the promised land during this time had become disillusioned, losing hope in God’s promises because things hadn’t progressed as they expected, and even calling those who did evil “happy”!  ^“Ye have said, It is vain to serve God: and what profit is it that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of hosts?” Malachi 3:14.

My friends, when times are tough, and things aren’t going the way we expect, we, too, tend to think the grass is greener on the other side! Yet, it only takes a look at how far God has brought us to see that His promises remain faithful and true! “For I am the Lord, I change not; therefore ye sons of Jacob are not consumed.” Malachi 3:6.

As God would have it, for our benefit now and the world to see then, there was also a small group of faithful and loyal followers of God during this time of skepticism. They joined together to encourage. and strengthen one another in the faith, opposed to grumbling.  Instead, they feared the Lord and valued His name. “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.” Malachi 3:16.

Oh, my friends, when times get rough, remember that God sees, He hears, and He knows your heart, and He will reward your faithfulness. In fact, we are the precious sons of God, His jewels, rare, and created for His good pleasure. He will provide, protect, and deliver us! Malachi 3:17 states: “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.”

So, hold on-God is closer than the very air that we breathe; and He gently reminds us: “I have loved you.” We are loved with an everlasting love, past, present, and future!

May God’s blessings of peace, grace, and love be with you all.