DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Who is God's Favorite?
by Elaine Pierce
What is your most treasured possession? Your home? Your car? Your children? I'm sure you've heard it said that your checkbook reflects what you value, and scripture reminds us that 'where your treasure is, your heart will be also' (Matthew 6:21). Of course, it's not just about money, is it?
In Exodus 19:5, God tells Moses that 'out of all nations, you will be my treasured possession.' And in I Peter 2:4, Peter reminds us that 'you are....chosen by God and precious to him.'
Indeed, God gave up his most treasured possession - his only son - so that we could enter into eternal life. He made covenant after covenant with Israel, and they broke each and every one. But he remained - and remains - faithful to his promises.
Everyone likes to feel special, set apart, favored, don't they? We spent last weekend with our son's family, and they have two little boys about a year apart. As you can imagine, there is a lot of jockeying for mom and dad's favor, and the boys seem to take turns trying to be the favorite. Their parents (and grandparents!) reassure them that we love them both, even when perhaps their behavior isn't ideal.
God reminds Moses how he delivered the people from the Egyptians: he carried them out on eagles wings and brought them to himself. What beautiful imagery of how much God loves us, even when we don't deserve it. And Peter reminds us that even non-Jews are grafted into God's family through the spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. Yes, we, too, are chosen and precious, and God delights in us.
PRAYER PRACTICE
My friends, we serve a good God. This week, as we reflect on his promises, let's be sure to thank him for his grace and mercy. Yes, we are his favorite! Thanks be to God.
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