Aesop

Mark 6:4 Jesus said unto them, A prophet is not without honour, but in his own country, and among his own kin, and in his own house.

In Aesop’s fable, it was proper for the fox to be in awe when seeing the lion. People can seem to become commonplace, especially those closest to us, and the temptation can grow to lose our appreciation and honour due to each human.

How much value does God place on one person? At conception, a precious human life begins. So precious, that it will never end. It is eternal, as ordained by God.

The more we learn about the masterful details of design in creation, the more awe inspiring this pursuit of study becomes. Yet, at the same time, it is easy to see that paradise has been lost, cursed, marred by sin. We can still appreciate those scenes of breathtaking beauty. And those amazing designs remain to challenge our comprehension and discovery.

Each human soul bears the image of God. The astounding design of each person, the elegant complexity of the alloyed spirit, mind, and body, is exceptional. Yet …

All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; … (Isaiah 53:6)

A lost coin does not lose its value because it is lost. It is that intact value that motivates us to search for the coin. The higher the value, the more diligent and persevering the search. So, now read the whole verse.

Isaiah 53:6 All we like sheep have gone astray; we have turned every one to his own way; and the LORD hath laid on him the iniquity of us all.

The stunning price paid; for each one; for you.

Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of [our] faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God.

What joy was set before him?

You.

You are worth it … to Him … your salvation … your reconciliation to Him … your fellowship with Him … is His joy!

By no means does this say that you deserve God’s grace. The very definition of grace indicates that it is not deserved. God knows we don’t deserve to be pardoned, yet He also reckons that it is worth it. How much value does God place on one person? God did not value you any less than what He paid.

Yours is a unique life. You are rare; special. The creator of matter says that you matter. Regardless of how close to God you are, or how far from God you are right now, He still holds out His hand to offer a closer relationship with Him.

If you feel angry, then you are angry. If you feel worthless, that does NOT mean you are worthless! If you feel sad, then you are sad. If you feel irrelevant, then that feeling is a LIE! Yes, you are having that emotion, but that does not indicate that you are expendable. Do you see the distinction? Grasping this concept is vital. Feelings and emotions tell you about your state of mind, not your value.

In all the world, there is nothing more precious than an individual human being.

By God’s majestic grace and decree, each soul is due honour, as a fellow human, bearing the image of the Creator.

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