Tuesday, December 27, 2016

Tues Devo: Treasured

Hello,

Watching kids at Christmas is certainly entertaining! As my oldest starts to get a little older (6) he is beginning to show a range of reactions with gifts. Instead of just excitement or disappointment, there is more diversity in reaction. You can see what he dislikes, doesn’t care about, what he likes, what he really likes, and the things that spur a more emotional connection – with people, not just the things. The emotional connection was the one that stood out to me the most.

The emotional connection had me thinking about Mary and how 2 times the word “treasured” is used in reference to her and Jesus. The first time is when the shepherds came, and the second is after Jesus stays behind at the temple in the age of 12 – and despite His wisdom and position stays in subjection to His parents.
Luke 2:18-19 “ And all who heard it wondered at the things which were told them by the shepherds. But Mary treasured all these things, pondering them in her heart.” (NASB)
Luke 2:41-51 “Now His parents went to Jerusalem every year at the Feast of the Passover. And when He became twelve, they went up there according to the custom of the Feast; and as they were returning, after spending the full number of days, the boy Jesus stayed behind in Jerusalem. But His parents were unaware of it, but supposed Him to be in the caravan, and went a day’s journey; and they began looking for Him among their relatives and acquaintances. When they did not find Him, they returned to Jerusalem looking for Him. Then, after three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions. And all who heard Him were amazed at His understanding and His answers. When they saw Him, they were astonished; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You treated us this way? Behold, Your father and I have been anxiously looking for You.” And He said to them, “Why is it that you were looking for Me? Did you not know that I had to be in My Father’s house?” But they did not understand the statement which He had made to them. And He went down with them and came to Nazareth, and He continued in subjection to them; and His mother treasured all these things in her heart.” (NASB)

These were the only 2 times in the New Testament that the word ‘treasured’ is used (NASB). It was used 4 other times in the Old Testament.  Notice how each is about the relationship of God to man.
Deuteronomy 26:17-19 “You have today declared the Lord to be your God, and that you would walk in His ways and keep His statutes, His commandments and His ordinances, and listen to His voice. The Lord has today declared you to be His people, a treasured possession, as He promised you, and that you should keep all His commandments; and that He will set you high above all nations which He has made, for praise, fame, and honor; and that you shall be a consecrated people to the Lord your God, as He has spoken.”
Job 23:12 “I have not departed from the command of His lips; I have treasured the words of His mouth more than my necessary food.”
Psalm 83:2-3 “For behold, Your enemies make an uproar, And those who hate You have exalted themselves. They make shrewd plans against Your people, And conspire together against Your treasured ones.”
Psalm 119:11 “Your word I have treasured in my heart, That I may not sin against You.”

The word treasured is certainly something that is used with a deep connection. Obviously, it is a word used in the past tense – meaning something has already happened in order to be treasured. The other obvious element here is that the thing which happened must be noticed. Whatever is not seen/experienced cannot be treasured. This word also implies time to look back and reflect – likely over multiple occurrences, not just once.

Where are you with your “treasured”? When was the last time you reflected on your Savior and His love for you? Is it just Christmas, or more often?

Have a blessed day,


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