Pastor s Corner: We are special
By LYNDON DECKER
First Southern Baptist Church
All of us would like to feel that we are special. Perhaps you are one today that feels worthless and of no value. God has never made junk and to Him you are special.
Recently while studying, I found a fascinating portion in the seventh chapter of Deuteronomy. In the first five verses of the chapter, God is cautioning the people of Israel of the evil they will face when they enter the promised land. After they entered the land, they were to show no mercy to the wicked inhabitants of the land. They were to live separated lives and destroy all evidence of idolatry.
In verses 6-11, God gives some reason for Israel's' taking these precautions. First, God said they were a holy people. If Israel was to remain a holy people, they would have to live separated lives and live in obedience to God. As God's children we are expected to live holy lives. In I Peter 1:13, Peter exhorts us to be holy for God is holy. We are special because we are holy.
Second, God tells Israel that they were chosen. They were not chosen because they were good, great, well known, or mighty. God just chose them because He wanted them on His team. John in his gospel, chapter 15 verse 16, tells us that God chose us; we did not choose Him. Paul tells us in Eph. 1:3 and II Thess. 2:13 that God chose us even before the foundation of the world. Isn't it comforting to know that God is not willing that any should perish but that He wants us?
Third, God loves us. God told Israel that He loved them. They were not loved because of how well they behaved. They were loved in spite of their behavior. God tells us in John 4:19 that He loved us before we loved Him. John 3:16 tells us He loved us so much that He sent His Son to die for us. There has been no greater love except by the greatest lover, God Himself.
Fourth, we are to take precautions because we are redeemed. God paid a tremendous price for our redemption because He loved us. Because we are redeemed, we are to show our appreciation by living in obedience to Him.
If you are not God's child today, He has made the first move and now it is up to you to respond. God loves you and wants to make you extra special for His glory.
