Discover His heart: He has set us apart for Himself
I remember my first piece of shiny jewelry, or bling as it’s sometimes called today. It was a dime store necklace with a cross that my mom bought for me when I was very young. I didn’t understand all the ramifications of wearing the cross, but I knew that it was an indicator that I loved Jesus. I wore it proudly! I don’t know what happened to it, but as a teenager I bought a small 14k gold cross that I wore along with whatever necklace I was wearing. Sometimes it got covered up by other jewelry and clothing, but I knew it was there. It was my statement, my mark if you will, that I was His. More important to me today than this simple gesture, however, is the profound truth that God has marked me as one who belongs to Him. And someday I will be a bit of bling in His kingdom!
@ Psalm 4
“You can be sure of this: The Lord set apart the godly for himself. The Lord will answer when I call to Him.” (3) The understanding that the God of all creation has set me aside, marked me as distinct and separate just for Himself humbles me to my knees. God has noticed us, those who have chosen to follow Him and live godly lives, and has set us apart for Himself. Are we able to get our minds around that thought?
Whether we are a part of any other group or club, whether we have a friend in the world and whether we feel accepted by society as a whole, we should rejoice that we are part of a group that God has set apart just for Himself. As redeemed and grafted in to the family, we are a chosen people, but we are not exclusive. “You are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.” (I Peter 2:9) God wants everyone, every godly one, to be a part of His special group.
As if it wasn’t enough being marked by God with distinction, we only have to call out to Him and He answers! In a day where we can spent an entire morning on the phone on the answering machine merry-go-round, never talking with a real person, never getting any answers, the Lord will take my call! Amazing! “I will rescue those who love me. I will protect those who trust in my name. When they call on me, I will answer; I will be with them in trouble. I will rescue and honor them.” (Psalm 91:14-15) I love being chosen and set apart.
Even more exciting is what is to come. Greater than our wearing some bling to show our dedication and love for God, someday we will be some bling. In Zechariah 9:16-17 is a promise not only to Israel but a messianic promise to the redeemed as well, “On that day the Lord their God will rescue his people, just as a shepherd rescues his sheep. They will sparkle in his land like jewels in a crown. How wonderful and beautiful they will be!” His bling!
Moving Forward: I’m blessed to receive love and acceptance from family and friends, but even if no one showed love to me today, I know that I am loved and set apart by Him. As I live a godly life, I am forever distinct in this way and destined to be a beautiful jewel in His crown. According to David, I can be sure of it!
Tomorrow @ Job 3-4
Phyllis Benigas 