You Are God’s Treasured Possession

‘…today GOD has reaffirmed that you are dearly held treasure’ (Deuteronomy 26:18 Msg.)

How does God feel about his people?

Throughout the Old Testament he refers to them as his treasured, prized possession (Deuteronomy 7:6; Malachi 3:17); they are the apple of his eye (Deuteronomy 32:10). The same is true in the New Testament, ‘…we, out of all creation, became his prized possession.’ (James 1:18 NLT)

How does God feel about you?

Sometimes it’s difficult to believe that you are his treasured possession. When you think of some things you have done, or have had done to you, it’s easy to reason that you are not special or worth very much at all. Our self-image can take a battering when we dwell on those things or when we compare ourselves to others who seem to have their lives altogether.

And yet God delights in us (Psalm 149:4) and rejoices over us (Zephaniah 3:17); we are valued and cherished by him.

How can that be?

First, we have been created in God’s image (Genesis 1:26) and as his image-bearers we have infinite value. We are not an accident, but have been handcrafted individually and uniquely by God: Oh yes, you shaped me first inside, then out; you formed me in my mother’s womb. I thank you, High God—you’re breathtaking! Body and soul, I am marvelously made! I worship in adoration—what a creation! You know me inside and out, you know every bone in my body; You know exactly how I was made, bit by bit, how I was sculpted from nothing into something. Like an open book, you watched me grow from conception to birth; all the stages of my life were spread out before you, The days of my life all prepared before I’d even lived one day. (Psalm 139:13–16 Msg.)

Second, God loves us so much that he sent his Son to reconcile us to himself (John 3:16); he paid the ultimate price for you because you are worth it (1 Corinthians 6:20). God knows everything about us; our flaws and weaknesses, all the mistakes we have made, the people we have hurt and let down, and yet while were sinners and God’s enemies Christ died for us (Romans 5:8,10). That’s how special we are to him.

Knowing this affects me in two ways: it gives me a healthy self-image by providing a right perspective of myself. No longer do I need to think too highly or too lowly of myself; I need no longer compare myself to anyone else as I am loved by God for who I am. It also gives me a right perspective of other people, who God created and Christ died for. I can now recognise their value and worth, loving and esteeming them as God does (2 Corinthians 5:16).

What a difference that makes to how I live my life.

Have a good week living as God’s treasured possession.

Pastor Barry