Sermon Snippet – God’s Valentine
INTRODUCTION – I could preach a Valentine’s Day sermon about the joys of marriage, using my wife as an example. I have chosen not to for an obvious reason – the message would be far too long. Instead, from Malachi 3:16-18, let us rejoice in a valentine from God.
1. GOD HAS WRITTEN US A LOVE LETTER
Verse 16 says, “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.” I write many things down, because otherwise I am prone to forget. God, though, never forgets. Why then does He write “a book of remembrance”? He wants us to never forget that He never forgets. This love letter is unique. It is not an email, a text, a typed missive; it is not even a Hallmark card. It is written in His own hand (Psalm 56:8). Moreover, it is written on His own hands (Isaiah 49:16). When God lifts up His hands to act, He sees your name and my name. We remember that Jesus, God the Son, lifted up His hands to be nailed to the Cross. His love letter to us was written in His life and in the loss of that life.
2. GOD MAKES US HIS JEWELS
Verse 17a states, “’And they shall be mine,’ saith the LORD of hosts, ‘in that day when I make up My jewels.’” The value of any good, including a gemstone, is determined by what someone is willing to pay. Jesus was willing to pay for us with His precious life. We are His “purchased possession” (Ephesians 1:14). We belong to a king, to the King, to the King of Kings.
3. GOD GIVES US HIS HEART
Verses 17b-18 say, “And I will spare them, as a man spareth his own son that serveth him. Then shall ye return, and discern between the righteous and the wicked, between him that serveth God and him that serveth Him not.” God gives us His heart by revealing it. He shows us His mercy – mercy in the context of an unbreakable family relationship. Further, He gives us a new heart so that we can “discern,” can make a positive difference in this woeful world of wickedness.
CONCLUSION – Eternal life through faith in Jesus Christ is written down by our Savior Himself. The eternal value that He places on each of us is measured by the value of His life and by His sacrifice of that life. Our eternal certainty is grounded in His merciful heart, a heart that welcomes us into His eternal family and helps us even now to be difference-makers. Truly, this valentine from God is a statement and a demonstration of real love.