Friday September 17, 2021

Today’s Reading: Psalm 135

For the Lord has chosen Jacob for Himself, Israel as His treasured possession.

Psalm 135:4

Reflection: The LORD has chosen His people. They are a treasure to Him. It is a gift enough to be chosen by the God of the universe. But to be seen as precious, to be considered lovely in His sight, to be treated as valuable is a far greater blessing to cherish. When Israel was first chosen by God, they were slaves in Egypt who worked hard labor and lived under extreme oppression by Pharoah. They were weak. They were treated as lowly members of society by the Egyptians and seen as nothing more than a resource for manual labor. But God drew near to them after hearing their cries of anguish. He brought them out of slavery and into a land flowing with milk an honey. He provided them with food, shelter, and riches of the earth that the people did not have to build or prepare. God cared for His people and blessed them so richly that, soon after, surrounding nations noticed that Israel was special. Israel was not inherently special, but becuase of their God Who cared for them and treasured them, they were seen as diffeent in the eyes of the world.

God’s expansion of His Kingdom has been brought about through the work of Jesus, and what began as just Israel is a Family of believers who are precious to Him. They are not inherently special. In fact, they still fail to reflect His love and truth completely. But thankfully, the LORD still shows them grace despite themselves. He is also good to continue working in them, His treasure, that they would one day become refined and pure. He still continues to bless them richly with heavenly blessings, that they would be distinguished from the rest of the world and known as His.

Prayer: LORD, the riches of this world pale in comparison to the richness and fullness of life with You. There is nothing like being called Yours. Thank You for loving me despite my sin and failings. Thank You for Your compassion and care, for Your unending grace upon me. Please help me to love others as You have first loved me. Teach me to love as You love, LORD. I pray all of these things in Jesus’ Name, AMEN.

Bible-in-a-Year Reading Plan (credit: Bible, studytools.com): 1 Peter 2; Jeremiah 33-34; Psalm 135