Is It Useless to Serve God?

Daily Devotional – Wednesday, August 16, 2023
You have said, “It is useless to serve God. What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked as mourners before the LORD of hosts?
Malachi 3:14 (NKJV)

Is it useless to serve the Lord? Does God notice when His people endeavor, by His grace, to live righteously? Is it important to attend church and spiritual meetings? As we spend time in 3:13–18, God answers these questions, leaving us marveling at the blessings of serving Him.

Does it Profit to Serve the Lord?

The Lord complains that the Israelites are harsh on Him because they say, “It is useless to serve God. What profit is it that we have kept His ordinance, and that we have walked as mourners before the LORD of hosts? So now we call the proud blessed. For those who do wickedness are raised up. They even tempt God and go free.” (Malachi 3:14-15).

Thankfully, the Lord’s complaint spurs some people to action. Malachi records: “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.” (Malachi 3:16).

The Book of Remembrance

Amidst the prevailing gloom and disillusionment, a group of people arises and organizes a worship service. They pray, read the word of God, meditate on it, and share their experiences of walking with God. In addition, they encourage one another in their journey of faith. God, who is in their midst, listens keenly and is elated.

While other people neglect congregational worship, these ones gather in the open to declare their fidelity to God. The scene is so precious to Heaven that God instructs angels to record the event and the names of the worshippers in His Book of Remembrance. What a privilege it is for angels to read the names of God’s ambassadors on earth!

It Pays to Serve God

The notes on this section of the Book of Remembrance are a beautiful promise from God:
They shall be Mine,” says the LORD of hosts. “On the day that I make them My jewels. And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Then you shall again discern between the righteous and the wicked, between one who serves God and one who does not serve Him. (Malachi 3:17-18).

O the blessing of appearing in the Book of Remembrance! God puts His seal on you. You are His precious jewel. He will spare you eternal damnation because you are His child. This book will be among those that will be opened on Judgement Day (Read Daniel 7:10 & Revelation 20:12). Then it will be evident that it pays to serve God.

Is It Useless to Serve God?

Is It Useless to Serve God? On the contrary, nothing is more rewarding than working for your Saviour. It pays to serve God because He remembers your commitment to Him. Because you are His precious child and jewel, He ensures you never lack and are safe. You reap peace, joy, and contentment in this life and, more importantly, inherit eternal life. Is your name in God’s Book of Remembrance? Are you a genuine, fearless, and proud worshipper of God?

Prayer
Heavenly Father, thank You for reminding me that it is not useless to serve You. Create in me the desire to engage in congregational worship and to serve You forever.