be with me

We all have possessions. Things of value we surround ourselves with; the things of greatest value we treasure. Keepsakes, memories, our own person, things of function. But our families, our loved ones, they are our greatest possession. They are precious to us, treasured; we protect them – touch them and we would fight for them, even to the death.

 

Ponder for a moment, the thought that God has possessions. What would they be? Stones of remembrance, keepsakes, placed away in a treasured place? Numbered tears, like in the proverbial bottle? He who owns all things, and who could create with no limit, would place little value on the material. Galaxies can mean little to him. But those whose hearts are given to him, how much would that be treasured? How much would he feel gratified, and cherish persons who have abandoned all to be his?

 

What does it mean to be God’s, to be his possession? Jesus, in this simple statement, says so much. So it is that we are his possession and treasured beyond measure. It is a tender thought to be owned, possessed by one you love. How much more to be a possession of God himself, who is infinitely loving! That I would be his, loved, cherished, valued, counted among the things he treasures. Such an intense sense of belonging comes with that. Touch me and you touch that which is God’s.  

 

But then to consider that I am given – that I am so valuable to be gifted. We don't give to those we truly love something of little value to us. To our intimate and cherished companions, we give that which is a treasure, that which is valued, and which we know will be valued by the recipient we love. We give what we love and what we know will be loved. So it is. There is no more precious and valued love expressed between God the Father and the Son than those who are given. I was at once his and at once a precious love gift – esteemed and cherished, a treasure beyond value. How intimate these words become with this understanding!