God’s Own People

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Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10 (ESV)

9 But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

Devotion:

            Peter, in today’s scripture, brings out a marvelous truth. Christians too often forget the importance of these words. We tend to go on living without acknowledging the truths contained in this passage. Our passion for Jesus is too often neglected in the day-to-day hustle and bustle of our daily lives. We become like young children who forget that their parents are right there when they get into some minor trouble. We often live as though God were not there for us in our distress.

            Peter, however, reminds us that we are a chosen people. Out of all God’s creation He has chosen us, unworthy as we are, as special in his sight. We are deemed worthy of God’s special care and provision. Although we come from many different ethnic, economic, and cultural backgrounds God has made us one people. God has declared us to be a new priesthood of believers. God has set us apart from the world to be holy in His sight.

            As God’s special people we have been charged with declaring to the world who God is and invite anyone who wishes to come and enjoy relationship with God and us. God desires that all who are willing can be partakers in the heavenly kingdom. Peter declares that those who come will be transferred from darkness to light. And again, he declares that they who were without God’s mercy in the world will experience God’s mercy.

            We all should reflect on Peter’s words in this passage. We should meditate on them considering what they mean to each of us. All of us were at one time separated from God. We were lost and alone in this hostile world. We were making our way in the darkness of our culture and without hope for our lives. One day Christ’s love broke through our darkness and in an instant we suddenly transformed. May the Lord help us to recall that glorious feeling we felt when we were first redeemed.

Prayer:

            Heavenly Father, hear our prayer today. First, we praise you for your marvelous light that has been shown around us. The knowledge of your presence in which we live, move, and have our being. We pray for those who are still walking in darkness, may they receive the light of your love. Help us dear lord to be faithful witnesses to the light and truth of your ways. We glorify your name above everything, and we seek to follow you ever more closely during this advent season. Amen.

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