Chosen By God

Scripture – 1 Peter 2:9-12: But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. Dear friends, I urge you, as aliens and strangers in the world, to abstain from sinful desires, which war against your soul. Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us.

Observation – This passage is like a diamond mine with far too many gems to be examined in this limited space. So today, I’ll focus on the fact that we are a “chosen people.” Bethel’s purpose statement begins by acknowledging, “God has called us into existence.” God has always chosen people to make Himself known in the world. From Adam to Noah to Abraham to Moses. In the wilderness, He formed His people into a nation – God’s chosen people. That’s why the nation Israel still exists today – even in the face of what the world today would call impossible odds. Through Christ, we in the church have inherited that title, as well. God has chosen us to continue His mission in the world. He’s called us “out of darkness into his wonderful light.” A big part of our mission is to help other people recognize He’s chosen them, also, and to help them find their way out of the darkness.

Application – I will live with the awareness that God has chosen me to be one of His people. He’s trusting me to help Him build and nurture His kingdom on earth. I will live a good life today – aware that others are watching.

Prayer – Thank you, Lord, for your grace and forgiveness. Thank you for choosing me to be on your team. Give me what I need today to live a simple, good life – to be a person of whom you can be proud.