But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. I Peter 2:9 NKJV.

After God rescued the Israelites from Egypt, he promised they would be a special treasure, a kingdom of priests and a holy nation if they obeyed Him. (Exodus 19:5-6). God called the Israelites to be a blessing to all nations (Genesis 28:14). However, because of their relentless disobedience and idolatry, they were unable to claim these promises. Today the church sits in the place of ancient Israel as God’s chosen, royal, holy, and special people.

Chosen By God to Be a Light

Believers were chosen by God to obtain salvation through Christ. This means we are now Christ’s representatives. A light in a world of darkness.

Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.

Matthew 5:16 NKJV

Peter was addressing persecuted gentile converts. He sought to remind them that, despite their persecutions, there is a heavenly reward (1 Peter 1:3-5 NLT). These gentile converts at one time had no identity as a people (1 Peter 2:10). However, they left behind their life of idolatry and debauchery, causing them to be slandered by their former friends (1 Peter 4:3-4). Peter told them not to be surprised at what they were experiencing. Instead, be glad and keep on doing what is right. To trust God who will never fail them (verse 19).

Of course, you get no credit for being patient if you are beaten for doing wrong. But if you suffer for doing good and endure it patiently, God is pleased with you.

I Peter 2:20.

I remember, some years ago at a family gathering, a gentleman (let’s call him George) speaking about his life in Christ and how much his life changed since accepting Jesus. He even tried convincing some of the patrons to do the same. Apparently, George, before his conversion, was an alcoholic and a womanizer. They slammed him and labelled him a hypocrite. Clearly, many people don’t understand what a Christian life entails, which brings me to my next point.

Proclaim the Praises of Him

The Easy-to-Read Version renders this portion of I Peter 2:9 as: “He chose you to tell about the wonderful things he has done.”

We are to go out and tell the world of the wonderful things Jesus has done for us. Remember what happened when Jesus healed the ten leprous men? Only one came back praising God.

One of them, when he saw he was healed, came back, praising God in a loud voice. He threw himself at Jesus’ feet and thanked him—and he was a Samaritan. Jesus asked, “Were not all ten cleansed? Where are the other nine? Has no one returned to give praise to God except this foreigner?” Then he said to him, “Rise and go; your faith has made you well.”

Luke 17:15-19 NIV.

In my above example, all George did was give God glory for saving him from his sinful life. He did what God expected him to do – tell others. Unfortunately, it’s their loss for not heeding and commending George for his changed life. I Peter 2:8 NLT states, “They stumble because they do not obey God’s word, and so they meet the fate that was planned for them. Consequently, George is already guaranteed his heavenly reward.

You Are Special to God

Friend, we are chosen by God because we are special. You are special. We are called to leave a life of sin for a life that will shine and glorify God. Titus summarises everything nicely.

For the grace of God that brings salvation has appeared to all men, teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly in the present age, looking for the blessed hope and glorious appearing of our great God and Savior Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from every lawless deed and purify for Himself His own special people, zealous for good works.

Titus 2:11-14 NKJV

No matter your past, God chose you to obtain salvation in Jesus, and to do good works. It is a given that, as believers, choosing to do what is right leads to ridicule by those who don’t know Him. But that doesn’t matter. Our goal is not to please people but God. Our reward? A royal priesthood to rule with Jesus one day (Revelation 20:6 NKJV).

Reflect and Respond

How can you, as God’s chosen, be a light and blessing to others?

Prayer

Lord, I thank you for all that you have done in my life. Thank you for choosing me. You are a good God, and your mercy endures forever. I want to honour You and give you the praise and glory, You deserve. That’s why I will talk about your deeds to anyone who asks me, and I will share Your love with people I meet. All glory, honour, and praise belong to You, Lord. In Jesus’ name, Amen.