“And they shall be Mine”, says the LORD of hosts, “in that day when I publicly recognize and openly declare them to be My jewels (My special possession, My peculiar treasure). And I will spare them, as a man spares his own son who serves him.” Malachi 3:17 (Amplified)

When I hear the word “peculiar”, my mind immediately thinks weird. Someone or something that is odd, different, unusual, not like anyone else. 1 Peter 2:9 says that we, as Christians, are a “peculiar people”. We are called to be different than the world. We should see things from a different prospective. Our trials and struggles should bring forth a response that is unusual to the world. Instead of being consumed by doubt and fear, because we are His, we are to be filled with joy and hope. But that’s not all the word peculiar means.

Peculiar comes from the Latin word, “peculiaris”. This word means privately owned, private property, distinctive and extraordinary. When we have something that is just ours, something private, something special, we want to protect it. We keep it in a safe place. If it’s land, we put up fences and signs. If it’s a car, boat or some other vehicle, we put it in a locked garage. We put alarms and cameras on our homes. For something smaller, we put it in a safe, under lock and key. We don’t want anyone to steal or harm our special possessions.

That is what God says about us… Our Heavenly Father says, we are His jewels. We belong to Him. We are His private property. He will do whatever is necessary to protect and keep His special treasure safe and secure. Do you know how He does that? The Bible says “He surrounds us with His shield of love.” (Psalm 5:12) “You, O God, are my fortress.” (Psalm 59:9) Can you think of any better, stronger, fiercer protector than the LORD God, creator and sustainer of all things?

We are not just random beings wandering around with no one to watch over and care for us. We are His children. He is always there. Always watching. Always listening. Always caring. And always protecting. The world can be a scary place filled with deceitful people. And there are times when it seems as if the bad guy always wins. But that is not the case. “Do not be afraid, I will protect you and your reward will be great.” (Genesis 15:1) We have a Savior fighting for us and though it may take time, more time than we would like, He will claim the victory. “The LORD will withhold no good thing from those who do what is right.” (Psalm 84:11) So we can rest easy, knowing we are not fighting alone. We are held in the hands of the One who made the sun, moon and stars. He is always in control. And He considers us His peculiar, extraordinary treasure…