A Treasured Possession

Malachi 3:16-18 Then those who feared the Lord talked with each other, and the Lord listened and heard. A scroll of remembrance was written in His presence concerning those who feared the Lord and honored His name.  

"They will be mine," says the Lord Almighty, "in the day when I make up my treasured possession. I will spare them, just as in compassion a man spares his son who serves him. And you will again see the distinction between the righteous and the wicked, between those who serve God and those who do not." 

While serving in different groups and positions, I have felt frustrated when those who are serving their own agendas seem to be promoted and acknowledged. Others serve quietly in the background, working just as hard, but with a heart for serving the Lord. The quiet servants go about in their service with barely any appreciation. 

Samuel told David's father, Jesse, that God looks on the heart, not the exterior. Jesse felt his older sons should have been chosen as king but Samuel was aware of God's plan to prosper Israel. He knew that God had it all in control despite the youth and inexperience of David. David's brothers served David in his armies and showed their true colors as the challenges of David's reign tested them. 

God called David a man after God's own heart. David was loved by God despite all the weaknesses in him. We also are deeply loved by God. He calls those who serve Him His 'treasured possessions'. He has written their names in the book of remembrance. He has written their names in the palm of His hand. The God of creation has created an eternal city where they may live and serve and worship Him. 

We were never promised that serving the Lord would be easy. We aren't promised to be honored and exalted in this lifetime. We are promised a crown of glory. We are promised to stand in the presence of the Messiah. We will see Him high and lifted up. We will see Him in the throne room and there will be no need for a sun because He is the Light of the world. 
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When we serve the Lord out of love and devotion, we are guaranteed a place in eternity, a place prepared for us by the One Who created and redeemed us. When we talk to each other about serving the Lord, we are called His treasured possession. 

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