Freedom in Christ

Dateline April 28: When a crown jeweler is commissioned to create a new crown for a king or queen, the jeweler takes the utmost care to select the finest gold, silver and platinum, the choicest gemstones and other quality fabrics (velvet, silk, furs, etc.). The selection process is meticulous. The standards are very high. The Imperial State Crown worn by the Queen of England is adorned with 2,901 precious stones (diamonds, pearls, sapphires, emeralds and rubies).

Did you know that our God views His people as His jewels, His treasured possessions? He is in the process of carefully selecting the materials for the 'crown' He is making. The prophet Malachi at the end of the Old Testament era looked forward to a time when God would be selecting His redeemed people.

"Then those who feared the Lord spoke to one another, and the Lord listened and heard them; so a book of remembrance was written before Him for those who fear the Lord and who meditate on His name. “They shall be Mine,” says the Lord of hosts, “On the day that I make up My jewels (treasured possession). And I will spare them as a man spares his own son who serves him.” (Malachi 3:16-17)

It is encouraging to note that those who trust in the Lord speak often to one another. God hears them and writes their names in His book of remembrance for the time when he makes upo His jewels. He promises to spare us as one would guard and protect his/her own beloved child. Let's take heart in this.

Dateline April 20: There are many scriptures that I memorized as a child and can still recite today. They form a hedge around me in times of tumult, when things seem to be lacking, or when the valley of the shadow of death seems real. One is the six-verse passage in Psalm 23:

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not lack. He makes me to lie down in green pastures;
He leads me beside the still waters. He restores my soul; He leads me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.
Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil; for You are with me; Your rod and Your staff, they comfort me.
You prepare a table before me in the presence of my enemies; You anoint my head with oil; my cup runs over.
Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life; and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever."

In these days when the supermarkets run out of toilet paper and other essentials, we will not lack.
When the news is all about the mounting number of virus cases and deaths, He will bring us safely through the valley of death.
When the authorities keep tightening the quarantine restrictions, we need not be troubled.
Looking at the big picture, He is with us, He is for us and He promises we will dwell safely and happily in His house, forever.