Recently in my video production class one of my students asked if I thought people are special. Before I could answer a few other students gave their opinions. One person declared that people aren’t special. They are merely the result of random chance, evolutionary change, and environmental influence. Another student said some people are special but others aren’t. It’s the way people are born and it doesn’t change. I told them I believe everyone is special because that is how God views people. Most of my students know I am a Christian and so my view probably didn’t surprise them. That’s as far as our discussion went as everyone became busy with assignments.
Are people special? Like my students I’m sure you have an opinion on this and many other important topics. In formulating our opinions we should always consider God’s view as he has expressed in his word, the Bible. As the benevolent designer and ruler of the universe, God’s wisdom, experience, and plans far exceed ours. God sees everyone as special including you and me. He created us, he loves us, and he wants us to be a part of his family now and forever to share the love, vitrtues, and purpose he enjoys within his triune nature of Father, Son, and Spirit.
God made us different from each other with a variety of genetics, personalities, talents, roles, and responsibilities but equal in value. No one is a favorite (Romans 2:6-11). Throughout human history God has called ordinary men and women to be prophets, priests, preachers, missionaries, ambassadors, kings, disciples, and servants for him. In addition, he even set apart the offspring of Abraham and made them into the renown nation of Israel. Yet that doesn’t make Israel or these called people more special, more important, or more dear to God. God chose them in order to work through them to save other people. The “other” people are also tremendously significant to God or else he wouldn’t try to save them. Israel was chosen to be an example to all nations of what it is like to live in fellowship with the sovereign, holy, just, and loving God as king (Isaiah 49:6). God wants all nations to return to him because he loves people from every tribe and tongue. He desires to save everyone from perishing (2 Peter 3:9). So although he might call someone to a special way of proclaiming his love and truth, that person, as well as, the people being reached are equally important to God.
People are special out of all of God’s creation described in the Bible. Humans are the only ones God created in his image and in whom he breathed his life (Genesis 1:26, 2:7). God’s love for us is not just shown in our creation, but also our redemption and restoration. We have all tragically run away from God in pursuit of our own interests. Deep down we want our way over his way and it is killing us. Left to ourselves we will die, for everlasting life is only found with God–the source of life. When Jesus came to earth as a man the first time he died and rose again to redeem and restore all who trust and obey him. Then he ascended to heaven and is currently interceding for believers. He will complete the restoration of believers and all creation when he returns again to earth from heaven.
The gracious providence of God in redeeming and restoring us is amazing. Although we don’t deserve it he uses his power, wisdom, and love to govern, protect, and care for people and all of his creation. The Bible documents thousands of examples of this. Here are just a few encouraging verses:
“God shows his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us” (Romans 5:8).
“God made him [Jesus] who had no sin be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God” (2 Corinthians 5:21).
“You, Lord, are forgiving and good, abounding in love to all who call to you” (Psalm 86:5).
“The LORD your God is in your midst, a mighty one who will save; he will rejoice over you with gladness; he will quiet you by his love; he will exult over you with loud singing” (Zephaniah 3:17).
“Are not two sparrows sold for a penny? Yet not one of them will fall to the ground outside your Father’s care. And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered. So don’t be afraid; you are worth more than many sparrows” (Matthew 10:29-31).
“The Lord is my shepherd, I lack nothing. He makes me lie down in green pastures, he leads me beside quiet waters, he refreshes my soul. He guides me along the right paths for his name’s sake. Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me.” (Psalm 23:1-4).
“Listen to me, you descendants of Jacob, all the remnant of the people of Israel, you whom I have upheld since your birth, and have carried since you were born. Even to your old age and gray hairs I am he, I am he who will sustain you. I have made you and I will carry you; I will sustain you and I will rescue you” (Isaiah 46:3-4). [Note: although this is addressed to Israel when it was written, it applies to believers today also.]
“Come to me, all you who are weary and burdened, and I [Jesus] will give you rest. Take my yoke upon you and learn from me, for I am gentle and humble in heart, and you will find rest for your souls. For my yoke is easy and my burden is light” (Matthew 11:28-29).
“Do not be anxious about anything, but in every situation, by prayer and petition, with thanksgiving, present your requests to God. And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus” (Philippians 4:6-7).
“No, in all these things we [believers] are more than conquerors through him who loved us. For I am sure that neither death nor life, nor angels nor rulers, nor things present nor things to come, nor powers, nor height nor depth, nor anything else in all creation, will be able to separate us from the love of God in Christ Jesus our Lord” (Romans 8:37-39).
“For the eyes of the Lord range throughout the earth to strengthen those whose hearts are fully committed to him” (2 Chronicles 16:9).
“If you love me, keep my commands. And I [Jesus] will ask the Father, and he will give you another advocate to help you and be with you forever—the Spirit of truth. The world cannot accept him, because it neither sees him nor knows him. But you know him, for he lives with you and will be in you. I will not leave you as orphans; I will come to you. Before long, the world will not see me anymore, but you will see me. Because I live, you also will live…the Advocate, the Holy Spirit, whom the Father will send in my name, will teach you all things and will remind you of everything I have said to you. Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid” (John 14:15-19, 26-27).
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me [Jesus]. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am” (John 14:1-3).
“he [God] who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion until the day of Christ Jesus” (Philippians 1:6).
“Look! God’s dwelling place is now among the people [this takes place when Jesus returns], and he will dwell with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. ‘He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death’ or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away” (Revelation 21:3-4).
YOUR RESPONSE
Can you see how special you are to God? You are not an accident, or a random mix of molecules refined over time, or a fixed class of citizen. You are valuable. You were lovingly created to be the precious son or daughter of the one and only almighty God. You were designed to be with him, to be like him, and to do what he does now and forever.
It’s important to understand this because knowing your true identity and worth along with an accurate concept of God determines your quality of life, your self esteem, your impact on others, and your destiny. God has given his very self in the death and resurrection of his Son, Jesus, so that you can become all that he designed for you to be. God did this for everyone, but only those who respond in faith by trusting and obeying Jesus are reunited with God and receive his new life. Those who don’t trust and obey Jesus remain separated from God and don’t experience the incomparable blessings of knowing him. Your heart will never be satisfied without him. Therefore, leave behind any angst, stress, regret, and striving and run to the embrace of your heavenly Father. Confess your wrongs and receive his forgiveness. Then rest and rejoice in the realization that you are his and he is yours. His banner of you is love.