A People Of God's Own Possession

Eddie Cooper

We all have treasured possessions. We know exactly where they are located, and we take special care of them. When visitors come to our home, we want to show them off.

A number of years ago, I visited with a family, and the first thing the husband did was show me his prized gun collection. Not only that, but he identified each one and told me how much care he had given to it. God has always wanted his people to have a clear distinction from other people. It was that way with the Egyptians and Israelites. God did not want Israel to be like their neighbors.

We see that, as the nation of Israel gathered in the wilderness near the mountains of Sinai, God wanted Moses to convey to the people the SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP he desired to have with them. However, there was still the need for them to remain faithful to Him in that relationship. “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine: And ye shall be unto me a holy nation. These are the words which thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel.” (Exodus 19:5, 6). To be viewed by God in such a SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP as His “treasured possession” is truly an honor. What a privilege!

As Christians, we do have such a distinction! Though all the earth, in reality, belongs to God because He is the Creator and sustainer of it, there is a SPECIAL BOND with those who rightfully acknowledge Him.

Peter, in writing to Christians during the first century of the church, after referring to those who stumbled through disobedience, stated: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light: Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy.” (1 Peter 1:9, 10)

Can it get any more special than this? What about your relationship to God? God has always wanted this SPECIAL RELATIONSHIP and desires that it continue as long as we are willing to do His will. -1036 Greenland Circle, South Charleston, WV 25309. - eddiecooper1036@hotmail.com

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