Discover His heart: He considers us His special treasures
No visit to London is complete without a visit to the Tower of London to see the Crown Jewels of England, an interesting location for them to say the least. The lower floors of the Tower display various methods of torture used in England’s history, and all I can say is that crime and punishment were taken very seriously in early England. Help!
The Tower’s Jewel House, under seriously armed guard I might add, displays centuries of priceless crowns and jewels viewed by millions of people each year. At first, I wondered why the royal family would take the risk to display their fortune, but when I considered the price I paid for my ticket to see the jewels, it all came together for me. I appreciate, however, that they have chosen to display their treasure for the entire world to see. And really, God has this same perspective about His special treasure.
@ Exodus 17
Israel defeated the Amalekites! What a great story from Israeli history. The Amalekites were the evil descendants of Amalek, a grandson of Esau. Although they were from the same bloodline as the Israelites, there was not a bond of brotherhood. I call them evil because it was said of them that they killed purely for the pleasure of it, but their contest with the Israelites brought them no pleasure. Due to Joshua’s leadership and to loyal staff who stood by Moses’ side, they were soundly defeated.
I’m always blessed when I read this excellent example of the role of under staff. Moses climbed to the top of a hill to see the battle for himself, but it was equally crucial for the warriors to see their leader. I can imagine looking up and seeing the silhouette of my leader holding high his staff over his head like a banner, Jehovah Nissi, the Lord is my banner. Alongside him, I see his assistants, not jealous or lazy, not arguing or bored, but holding up their leader’s tired arms until the victory was won. Oh, I like that! Leadership has a heaviness to it that few understand, and those who support the leader ease the burden and enable the banner or standard to remain lifted until the victory is won.
@ Exodus 19
“Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among the people on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.” (5-6) What a tremendous message of promise from God that Moses delivered to the Israelites that day! God’s own special treasure! But God’s desire was not to hide His treasure in safekeeping as we sometimes do with our treasures. No, God’s plan was for His treasure to be a testimony of His love and greatness for the whole world to see, drawing everyone to Him.
In every covenant or contract there always seems to be an if clause and God included His if clause, “Now, if you obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure.”(5) God knew what it would take to make and keep this strong-willed nation worthy of such a covenant, and He gave Moses a list of practical guidelines laid out over the next several chapters for the Israelites to follow. More instructions were revealed over time, each attempting to bring holiness to His treasure. Of course, after centuries of resistance, God finally had enough and personally came to His people through His son Jesus Christ. The if clause was no longer just a list of guidelines to follow, but it was now a personal Savior to accept and follow.
It humbles me to think that through my adoption into this family (Romans 8:15), God considers me His own special treasure as well. This is cause to jump for joy and/or fall on my knees! I am, however, ever mindful of the if clause. While no longer required to follow the endless regiment of laws found in Exodus, I am duly challenged to a life of holiness as I follow Jesus. Then I, too, will be a testimony of His love and greatness for the whole world to see, drawing everyone to Him – His treasure.
Moving Forward: As His special treasure, I am compelled to support the leaders I serve, making certain our victory. And as His treasure, I seek the brilliance of His holiness today in my life that I may draw many others to Him
Tomorrow @ 2 Samuel 5-9
Phyllis Benigas 