WHEN GOD CLAIMS HIS PEOPLE
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation and a people claimed by God for his own, to proclaim the triumphs of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9, N.E.B.
Imagine that you are attending a great international festival where representatives from many nations have come to portray their native cultures. You watch as varied costumes pass the reviewing stand. You listen intently as the announcer highlights the unique features of each country. Suddenly a hush comes over the crowd as people of remarkable bearing step forward. In admiring tones the announcer explains that they come from a country where every citizen is counted as documented royalty. Furthermore, every one of them holds a high office in the dignified religion of the land. The citizenry is noted for the absence of crime and for its advanced social programs. Finally, there is clear evidence that the people of the country have special connections with the ruling powers of the universe.
If you suspect you might be impressed with such a scene, you have only to read today's text again and realize that it does not exist entirely in the realm of the imagination. For this is exactly what our Father desires each of us to be.
We are royalty, because we are even now in preparation to sit next to Jesus on His throne, entering with Him into consideration of the issues of vital interest to the universe. (See Rev. 3:21.)
We are priests, because we deal with the most sacred of all things: the character and reputation of our God. We have been entrusted with the immeasurable privilege of telling the world how God seeks their friendship. (See 2 Cor. 5:19.) We are spiritual ambassadors, representing the kingdom of God to people who don't yet know how much they would enjoy it. As priests, we stand between an alien world and a loving God, seeking to make Him known.
We are a dedicated nation--a people with a consuming spiritual purpose, set aside from all that is mundane to accomplish matters of eternal consequence.
Yet we are participants in any of these great privileges only because God, in His infinite graciousness, has claimed us. He alone can rescue, transform, and commission. And He alone has sole right to receive the honor and the praise, for when the universe is once again at-one with Him we shall all live in endless peace.
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a dedicated nation and a people claimed by God for his own, to proclaim the triumphs of him who has called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. 1 Peter 2:9, N.E.B.
Imagine that you are attending a great international festival where representatives from many nations have come to portray their native cultures. You watch as varied costumes pass the reviewing stand. You listen intently as the announcer highlights the unique features of each country. Suddenly a hush comes over the crowd as people of remarkable bearing step forward. In admiring tones the announcer explains that they come from a country where every citizen is counted as documented royalty. Furthermore, every one of them holds a high office in the dignified religion of the land. The citizenry is noted for the absence of crime and for its advanced social programs. Finally, there is clear evidence that the people of the country have special connections with the ruling powers of the universe.
If you suspect you might be impressed with such a scene, you have only to read today's text again and realize that it does not exist entirely in the realm of the imagination. For this is exactly what our Father desires each of us to be.
We are royalty, because we are even now in preparation to sit next to Jesus on His throne, entering with Him into consideration of the issues of vital interest to the universe. (See Rev. 3:21.)
We are priests, because we deal with the most sacred of all things: the character and reputation of our God. We have been entrusted with the immeasurable privilege of telling the world how God seeks their friendship. (See 2 Cor. 5:19.) We are spiritual ambassadors, representing the kingdom of God to people who don't yet know how much they would enjoy it. As priests, we stand between an alien world and a loving God, seeking to make Him known.
We are a dedicated nation--a people with a consuming spiritual purpose, set aside from all that is mundane to accomplish matters of eternal consequence.
Yet we are participants in any of these great privileges only because God, in His infinite graciousness, has claimed us. He alone can rescue, transform, and commission. And He alone has sole right to receive the honor and the praise, for when the universe is once again at-one with Him we shall all live in endless peace.
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