Because I Loved Them
“For you are a people holy to the LORD your God, and the LORD has chosen you to be a people for his treasured possession, out of all the peoples who are on the face of the earth.” Deuteronomy 14:12
If you’re anything like me, when you were young you probably had a favorite stuffed animal, blanket, etc. that was very special to you. You probably traveled everywhere with your “special friend” because it brought you joy and comfort. My “special friend” growing up was named “Beddy-Bye Bert” (think Bert and Ernie from Sesame Street). Bert went everywhere with me and on the rare occasion that I lost sight of him, life could not move on until I found him.
I had many stuffed animals but I chose Bert, but not for the reasons you might expect. Was he the biggest? No. Was he the prettiest? No. Bert was missing an eye and his clothing was stained but he was precious in my sight. He was my treasured possession and he was lovely because I loved him.
This verse describes God choosing the Israelites to be “his treasured possession.” Were they the biggest? No. Where they the prettiest? No. In fact, they complained A LOT. But, they were lovely because God loved them and He watched over them, held them close, and rejoiced over them. He traveled with them, took care of them, and watched over them while they slept.
The amazing thing about this Old Testament verse is that God still loves His children this way. God does not love His children because they are good, lovely, or powerful. He loves them simply because He loves them. He loves them so much that He gave His only Son Jesus to rescue and redeem them.
How would your life change if this simple truth could sink deeply into your heart?