Book of Remembrance

 

I have been particularly interested in the " Book of Remembrance " that Jesus teaches about in 3 Nephi. I am pleased with the scriptures and insights that I learned in my study and I am especially thankful to share with you.

In 3 Nephi 24:16 our Savior, Jesus Christ quoted the words in Malachi, and He desired the Nephites to also put these words into their records, as He said, " Then they that feared the Lord spake often one to another, and the Lord hearkened; and a book of remembrance was written before him for them that feared the Lord, and that thought upon His name."

We can see the great love that our Savior has for us, as He certainly does not need our words and works to be written in a book, as He knows all things. ( Hebrews 4:13 ) 

In this way our Savior was trying to help explain that just as Kings kept books of those whom had rendered service to the king, in order that they might be rewarded, we too will be rewarded for our love and service towards Him. The reward of service rendered for a king was often delayed, as the service was written in a book, however, it eventually was rewarded. A good example of this can be found in Esther 6: 1-3, when Mordecai's name was read in the book of records by the king and he asked, " What honor and dignity hath been done for Mordecai for this? "  (  Old Testament Commentary by Stephen Miller ) 

Through many scriptures we can learn that loyalty to God does not go unnoticed or unrewarded. Often times even now we may wonder why those whom do not keep the commandments seem to be doing well in life, and are happy? This was the feeling of the Israelite s as we read 3 Nephi 24:14-15 ( Malachi 3:14-15 ) : " Ye have said: It is vain to serve God and what doth it profit that we have kept his ordinances and that we have walked mournfully before the Lord of Hosts? And now we call the proud happy; yea, they that work wickedness are set up; yea they that tempt God are even delivered." 

However, Jesus Christ later explained in 3 Nephi 27: 11 ; "...they have joy in their works for a season, and by and by the end cometh and they are hewn down and cast into the fire, from whence there is no return." 

The scriptures are clear that loyalty to God does not go unnoticed or unrewarded: Matthew 10:42, Mark 9:41, Luke 6:23, Revelation 22:12, & Matthew 6:20 )

However, Jesus knows that our faithfulness towards Him will result in earthly trouble, heartache and in the disciples case; even death.

( Matthew 24:9, Acts 9:16, 12:2 )

As we know that no loyal act or righteous choice goes unnoticed of God we can have strength to endure to the end.

( Matthew 10:22, Mark 13:13, Galatians 6:9 ) 

Furthermore, Jesus made it clear in Luke 10:20 how thankful we should be when our names are written in heaven; as His disciples were given power over the spirits and and all enemies; He told them, do not rejoice in that, but " Rejoice because your names are written in heaven." Because this is even a higher honor that He knows their good works, than the honor of their power over their enemies.

I am thankful to be a member of His church, where I know that my name is written in the records of the church. I am thankful to have these precious scriptures where we can learn more of Him, and I am thankful that we still have revelation regarding these things in our modern day scriptures that come from current apostles and prophets.

What a great insight on this topic that Elder McConkie teaches us: 

Elder Bruce R. McConkie stated, " In a real figurative sense, the book of life is the record of the acts of men as such a record is written in their own bodies....That is every thought, word and deed has an effect on the human body; all these leave their mark which can be read by Him, who is Eternal as easily as the words in a book can be read. ( Mormon Doctrine 2nd ed 1966, 97 )

I say this in the name of Jesus Christ.Amen.