But ye
are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people;
that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of
darkness into his marvelous light (1 Peter 2:9).
Our opening verse isn’t a promise, but a statement
of fact and instruction. Reading it in the Amplified version is even more
inspiring: "But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated
nation, [God’s] own purchased, special people, that you may set forth the
wonderful deeds and display the virtues and perfections of Him Who called you
out of darkness into His marvellous light." This is the purpose for which
God has called you: you’re called to display the virtues and perfections of Him
who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light!
Humility is a virtue; boldness is a virtue; faith
and hope are virtues. These are examples of the virtues God has called you to
manifest, not in the sweet by and by, but here on earth. Galatians 5:22-23
says, "But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, long-suffering,
gentleness, goodness, faith, Meekness, temperance: against such there is no
law." These are more virtues that God desires you to display to your
world.
As new creations in Christ Jesus, we’re
peculiar; we’re the first fruits; that means, the first and the best of
God’s creatures: "Of his own will begat he us with the word of truth, that
we should be a kind of first-fruits of his creatures" (James 1:18). You’re
the crowning glory, and the highest of everything God made.
God created you so He would manifest His beauty,
holiness, grace, glory, excellence, and righteousness through you. He’s
counting on you to bring the unconverted to the knowledge of His saving power.
He wants you to bring them to the light of His Word through the way you live,
the things you do, and the words you speak. As you daily display His virtues
and perfections, their hearts will turn towards Him to receive salvation.
Prayer
Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus
Christ who has made me a wonder, and a vessel to show forth His wonderful deeds
to my world. His beauty, excellence, glory, honour and splendour are manifest
for the world to see through me, and many come to the brightness of my rising,
in Jesus’ Name. Amen.
Further Study: Matthew 5:16; Psalms 71:7;
Psalms 79:13
1 Year Bible Reading : Acts 20:1-16 Job 19-21
2 Year Bible Reading : Galatians 2:3-12 Isaiah 29
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