I AM GOD'S POSSESSION...
After my parents sorted through stuff stored in their garage for decades, my mom brought me a green metal trunk that belonged to my grandma. Inside the trunk was a stack of old comics and a Strawberry Shortcake coloring book of mine from around age ten.
In 1982 I was always on the lookout for new items to add to the collections displayed throughout my bedroom: books, stuffed animals, Smurf figurines, Strawberry Shortcake dolls, and comics.
There are two other things I remember about my childhood treasures:
I wanted to possess them more than enjoy them.
I didn’t want to share them in fear someone would ruin them.
Do you know God has treasured possessions too? Deuteronomy 26:18 (NIV) says His people are His treasured possession. He’s talking about us—you and me!
Thankfully, God has a much different mindset about His treasures than I did:
He wants to enjoy us more than possess us. He will take delight in you with gladness. With his love, he will calm all your fears. He will rejoice over you with joyful songs (Zephaniah 3:17b, NLT).
He wants to share us with the world. My prayer is not that you take them out of the world but that you protect them from the evil one. As you sent me into the world, I have sent them into the world. (John 17:15,18, NIV).
So, rather than arranging us on a shelf for His enjoyment alone, God says we are “oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of his splendor” (Isaiah 61:3), and Jesus’ life is a lesson in sharing. He’s given us the glory that God gave Him so we can be one as they are one (John 17:22). Jesus has given us the words God gave Him (John 17:8a) and made God known to us in order that His love and Jesus Himself may be in us (John 17:26). And, ultimately, Jesus gave His life so we could have life (John 3:16).
Sometimes we may wish to tuck ourselves away rather than let God display us or share us with the world, but, as His treasured possession, He made us for more.
When we allow God to pluck us from the comfort of our little shelves, others will believe in Him and know His love for them (John 17:21b, 23b). And I can’t think of anything that will bring greater enjoyment… to me… to you… or to the Lord.