A Treasured Possession! (1 of 2)

Have you ever purchased something that you had longed for, and once it became yours, it was treasured as a prized possession? If this was some years ago, is it still your treasured possession? Even if it remains your possession, is it still treasured? Has it lost its usefulness or value for some reason, perhaps even been replaced by another possession?

Among some of my treasured possessions are books and musical instruments. I remember the first guitar I purchased. I bought it with my own hard earned money. I wanted to take proper care of it. I wanted to find delight in using it. I played for family and friends. I did some entertaining. With that guitar I also serenaded my wife (while we were dating) with some of the first songs I wrote for her. And I still possess that first guitar. However, it is not as precious to me as it once was. Over time the CONDITION of that guitar has changed. The frets have shifted a bit, causing the strings to buzz when played. It has therefore been sitting in a corner collecting dust for quite a while. Having lost its usefulness, it no longer has the value to me it once did. It has also been replaced by two other guitars which FUNCTION and PERFORM as they were intended.

God told Moses to tell the people of Israel…
“(4) You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. (5) Now therefore, IF you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, YOU SHALL BE MY TREASURED POSSESSION AMONG ALL PEOPLES, for all the earth is mine; (6) and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.” ( Exodus 19:4-6 ESV)

All the earth belongs to God. Whether that ownership is acknowledged or not, it is so. But God had chosen Israel to be His treasured possession through whom He would fulfill the promises made to Abraham. However, the passage indicates a condition or criteria for remaining the treasured possession. Did you note there was an “IF” in the statement of God? There was something God would require of His people. They were to FUNCTION as a people who honored and glorified God through the PERFORMANCE of obedient lives before Him.

What a special position! What a distinctive way to be viewed by God! May we also continue to seek to FUNCTION as His people in God glorifying ways, that our life PERFORMANCE will benefit those around us and bring honor to His Name!

Have a great day FOCUSED ON OUR FUNCTION BEFORE GOD!
Carl

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