Devotion 
A peculiar treasure unto God
David Jacobs 

I lived in Africa for one year on a mission trip in my 20s. Although some people spoke English, most of the people in the village that I was living did not speak any. It was difficult leaving everything that I knew and was accustomed to and moving to a place with different food, language, and culture, but I was lucky to become great friends with a couple about 20 years older than me. We had a peculiar bond: they were decades older than me and we could not speak the same language. For whatever reason, they cared for me like I was their own son, getting me out of trouble more times than I even care to remember! Although we would eventually be able to have basic conversations as I learned their language, it was hard for me to explain why I treasured their friendship as much as I did. Basically, I just knew that they were good people.

Prayer 

God says to the Israelites that He too, treasures them in a peculiar manner. He carried them out of horrible slavery in Egypt, and had shown favor to them once again. The Israelites remained fearful and obedient, and God rewards their obedience by making them a "kingdom of priests." Why the Israelites and not another nation? As was the case with my friends in Africa, it might be difficult to explain why. God knew they were good, knew they would continue to be good, and the Israelites did not let Him down. This loyalty is rewarded and although God and the Israelites talked through a medium in Moses, we too, can learn to grow closer to Him by knowing that He treasures us. Like my friends in Africa, if God knows that we are good, we do not need to directly speak. We can feel it.