Guard Well!

 

Ezra, chapter 8.
The Temple had been rebuilt.
The exiles were returning to Jerusalem, and Ezra had appointed leaders and priests to be in charge of transporting expensive items to be presented for the temple.

And he says this to them, “I weighed the treasure as I gave it to them.”  (vs 26)

I almost cry when I read those words.

And I read it again.

“I weighed the treasure as I gave it to them.”

And it was a significant requirement.
The treasure was of great value.
24 tons of silver.
7,500 pounds of silver articles.
7,500 pounds of gold.
This… just to name some of the treasures.

And we, too, you and me, are priests.
According to 1 Peter 2:9, “But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light.”

And we, too, have an expensive and valuable treasure we carry.

And that’s Jesus Christ.

And it matters how we carry it.  Him.

My commentary says this, “Through this world, unseen by mortal eye, a procession is passing, treading its way across continents of time. It bears holy vessels. Testimony to God's truth, the affirmation of things unseen and eternal, the announcement of the facts of redemption — such are our sacred charge. What manner of persons ought we not to be, to whom so high a ministry is entrusted!”  - F.B. Meyer

Paul would tell his son in the faith, Timothy, that he is to, “Guard the good deposit.”  2 Tim 1:14

To guard, well, what has been entrusted to him.
Just like those priests carrying the precious materials to honor the Lord.
“You and these treasures have been set apart holy to the Lord.  Guard these treasures well until you present them to the leading priests.”  Ezra 8:28-29.

Guard well what you have been entrusted with, friend.
His presence.
His reputation.

The value has been weighed and you have been deemed worthy to carry Him to the nations with bravery and confidence!

Guard the precious treasure you’ve been entrusted with!