Special Possession

 "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."

— 1 Peter 2:9-10

Gracious Lord Jesus, my friend and my King,

This is one section of Scripture that leaps off the page upon reading it. In two verses, Peter makes both a stark contrast and a stunning declaration. The stark contrast: There was a time when I was lost in complete darkness, fumbling for my way as I headed toward destruction of my own making. I lacked any meaningful identity and I was without mercy, destined for the eternal death that I deserved. But God... But God found me, chose me, and called me out of that inescapable darkness and rescued me into His marvelous light. Now I'm no longer "no people", now I'm among the people of God. Now I'm no longer without mercy, now I've received immeasurable mercy!

The stunning declaration: I am among a chosen people. To be a Christian means that I have been chosen by You. I am part of a royal priesthood. Like my Savior who is both King and Priest, I have access to God through Christ like the priests of Israel. I have a kingly authority through my position in Christ and will reign and rule with You in the fullness of Your kingdom. I am part of a holy nation. This nation lacks borders for it touches every inhabited corner of the earth. This nation has a holy government and a heavenly citizenry. I am God's special possession. I once was alone and searching to belong. Now I am found and a prized possession of God. Like a random pebble collected from a seashore, now I am cleansed and polished, smooth and gleaming as I'm placed in God's front pocket! Now from this new position I have an ultimate purpose: to declare the praises of Him who has called me out that thick darkness. 

Lord Jesus, everything that I now am and now possess is due to Your immeasurable grace and mercy. I will declare Your praises. I will joyfully proclaim how You have rescued me from my sin and shame, from the grave and from hopeless death. I am chosen. I am Your special possession.

— In Jesus' Name I pray, Amen!

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