Antique Roadshow
While it’s familiar to the owner, they have no idea of the real value of the item.
Reference: All these were descendants of Obed-Edom; they and their sons and their relatives were capable men with the strength to do the work—descendants of Obed-Edom, 62 in all. (1 Chronicles 26:8)
Explore: Antique Roadshow is a British television show in which antiques appraisers travel to various regions of the United Kingdom (and occasionally abroad) to appraise antiques brought in by local people.
A regular story, told on the show, is when someone brings an antique that has been around their house for years, possibly generations. While it’s familiar to them, they have no idea of the real value of the item.
The antique appraisers look over the item. You can see the interest in the owner’s eyes as the appraiser speaks of the year it was made, the style of the time and the uniqueness of the design.
There’s nothing better than seeing the bewildered expression when the owner thinks the item is worth about $100 only to discover it’s a rare antique worth $30,000. This every day item is now a treasured possession once they discover its true value.
Application: I think we often underestimate our value. We see ourselves as just an every day item and yet God sees us in a totally different light.
In 1 Chronicles 26 people were being assigned important jobs in the community and I love how verse 8 says that all of one particular family were capable. I’m sure there would have been varying strengths, as in all families, and yet they were all capable in their own way.
You are capable and valuable to God. You may only see yourself as a $100 item but God thinks you are truly priceless. If you go into your day with that understanding, I can assure you that you will see the world in a different light.
Prayer: Jesus, it’s sometimes hard for us to see ourselves like You do. You believed we were so valuable that You died for us. May we not waste that sacrifice by downgrading ourselves, but live in the fullness of how much You value us. Amen.
You are incredibly valuable. How does that make you feel?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.