By: Pastor E.A Adeboye

Memorise: “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people: that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light (1 Peter 2:19).

Read: Malachi 3:14-18
Today’s reading reveals further benefits from serving the Lord. In the passage, some Israelites served God faithfully for a period of time. Some others looked at their lives to see if there was any benefit for their service.

When they could not observe any, they began to say it is vanity to serve God or to walk uprightly. As a result of this, they highly commended those who refused to serve God and those who lived in sin. But God responded on the matter.

Those who have the ability and opportunity to serve God but fail to do so are referred to as ‘proud’ people. Why? This is because they believe God is too small for them to submit to. In the army, when a captain gives an order his subordinate dare not disobey.

Yet in the heavenly army – the army of armies, when the Commander-in-chief gives an instruction to a far junior subordinate, the latter will look at him in the eye and say I am not obeying this. No apologies! If God says you are proud, forget the opinions of men: you are proud. The proud will end up in destruction except they repent.

The Lord promises those who fear and serve Him that He will prove that they are His. If God says you are His, you will enjoy His special love and nothing shall be able to separate you from it – not even Satan’s blackmail (Romans 8:35-39). Also He will always be your defence. Secondly, He says you will be His treasure – His jewels.

1 Peter 2:9 says the reason God made you to be a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, peculiar people is because of service. This means if you do not serve God acceptably, no matter how much you claim that Scripture, it cannot make you special to God. If you are God’s jewel or treasure, it will show through the special and uncommon care, favour and attention you will receive.

When you look at some children of God, you will say God is being partial to them. But when you look at some others, you will wonder when God would ever remember them. Work on your level of service today.

Jewels and precious stones are highly valued by men.

If you are God’s jewel, you are no less in value.