To read this text CLICK HERE

1 Peter 2:9-10, But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, 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.

In today’s focus verses, Peter is highlighting the blessings which belong to all believers.  He starts by stating that they are a chosen people (by the way, that means WE are a chosen people).  While the people of Israel were certainly chosen by God, God has now chosen a new group of people who have obtained membership in this chosen group not by inheriting it through Abraham but by believing in Jesus Christ. Similarly, Peter calls the readers of this letter a royal priesthood and a holy nation, words that are very similar to those found in Exodus, Isaiah, and Malachi, in describing those who lived under the Mosaic covenant.  Now, those who profess faith in Jesus are part of the royal priesthood and they are a holy nation, not because of who they are related to but because of who they are in Jesus Christ.

Peter goes on to elaborate.  God’s purpose in redeeming us is not only for our own benefit (although it certainly is to our benefit) but to glorify God.  We get to declare his praises, for he has called us out of a life of darkness and into a life of light – glorious, wonderful, abundant life in Christ.  Because of God’s mercy, we are freed from the bondage and darkness of sin and can live in the freedom of knowing that we have been forgiven and that we are new people. 

Do you live in the knowledge that you have been forgiven and that you are a new person in Jesus?  Do you truly believe that God chose YOU and that you are God’s special possession?  Friends, God loves you and desires to be in an intimate relationship with you.  Wherever you are in your relationship with Jesus today, spend some time with him.  Get right with him if need be, praise him, rejoice in his blessings, and simply be grateful.

Let’s pray…Lord Jesus, Hear our prayers.  We love you, we are grateful, we are amazingly humbled that you chose us.  More of you, Jesus, and less of me.  In Your Name, Amen.