A New Day

By: Pastor Johnie Akers     

Exodus 19:5, “Now, therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.”  The word “peculiar” in our Western vernacular means “odd” or “strange.”  However, in Sacred Scripture, the word has an entirely different meaning.  In our text today, the word actually is defined as “special” or “unique.”  In other words, the Lord was saying that His people are His “special treasure.”  Over the four decades Pam and I have been married, I have given her scores of jewelry pieces.  From earrings, to necklaces, to bracelets, to rings, to brooches, her jewelry box is replete with a variety of treasures.  Yet among them all, the most special would be her engagement and wedding bands.  Accordingly, one could say that she possesses a lot of treasures, but her “peculiar treasures,” that is, her “special” or “unique” ones, are the ones she wears on her ring finger.  Apostle Peter echoed this sentiment in 1 Peter 2:9 when he refers to God’s people as “peculiar people.”  All the earth is His, as Moses related in our text today.  But of all the treasure of His creation, we are “special.”  We are special because we have been created in His image and likeness.  Each of us goes through stages in our life when we do not feel very special.  Health challenges, financial difficulties, employment instability, relationship struggles, and a myriad of other trials often take a toll on us to the degree that we look in the mirror and respond:  “I sure don’t feel special.”  Yet our value among all of God’s other treasures in the earth is not based upon our subjective feelings.  But our value is based upon the estimation given to us by our Heavenly Father.  So, no matter where this day finds you, or how you may be feeling about yourself at this moment, may I remind you of how special you are.  You are God’s special treasure.  It is with this renewed sense of your priceless value that will help you overcome any feeling of insecurity and lack of self-esteem and reassure you of your priceless value as you encounter each new day.