Most people would say they do not own treasures. Treasures are for pirate stories and fairy tales.
In reality, most of us do have treasures. Many include special people: family and friends. For others, possessions fill their treasure chest. It might be the money in their bank account, a home, automobiles, or other ‘toys.’ Still others hold tight to heirlooms, jewelry, photographs, jobs, positions or titles, or maybe just special memories. Treasures? Perhaps. But these treasures are temporary. As wonderful as some of them may be, they will never satisfy the longing of our hearts. Jesus Christ alone is the treasure that endures.
It seems so hard to lay aside the so-called treasures of this life. Our culture screams that happiness will be found in the accumulation of earthly possessions. As Christians, certainly, we realize our true treasures are found in heaven. In Matthew 6:19-24, Jesus admonishes us not to lay up for ourselves treasures on earth, but rather in heaven. He continues to explain:
“where your treasure is, there your heart will be also.”
Simply put, it is all about the heart. The heart that belongs to Jesus belongs to God, as they are one. Our Lord God loves us beyond all imagination, literally beyond our wildest dreams. He “hearts” us!
Have you considered what God treasures? You. You are God’s treasure. Exodus 19:5 tells us:
“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.”
Again in Malachi 3:17,
“They shall be mine, says the Lord of Hosts, in the day when I make up my treasured possession, and I will spare them as a man spares his son who serves him.”
Through Jesus Christ, we have been included. We are God’s people. We are part of His treasured possession. His. I have a small piece of paper taped to the inside of my middle desk drawer at the office. It is a constant reminder that reads, “I am not my own.” Indeed I am not my own; I belong to God thanks to Jesus Christ, my Savior. That is amazing and wonderful news!
God loves and cherishes each of his children. Yes, EACH one. The moment we accept Jesus as our Savior and Lord, we become part of God’s treasure – His eternal possession. A jewel of great value. In Hebrew, the word “possession” is often used to refer to the treasure of kings. These “possessions” were the king’s most prized and valued belongings. We belong to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He LOVES us; He adores us. We are His.
You are the most precious and valuable thing in God’s sight. Nothing is dearer to him. He displays his love, patience, mercy, and grace to us throughout scripture. Indeed God’s Holy Word is a love letter to us. But the absolute pinnacle of God’s love is evidenced by Christ’s sacrifice at Calvary. God gave His very best –His everything- to provide us the opportunity to be part of His treasure. It was the ultimate display of love. God’s love for us. His love for His children. His love for you.
I pray that you feel His love today. Feel his mercy, grace, and forgiveness. Feel His loving arms around you; His eternal and perfect love. Know that you are His treasure and that He is the only treasure that can satisfy your heart.
Charlene Miller
Lean into Jesus Ministries
#charlenemillerblogs