”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.
1 Peter 2:9New International Version (NIV)
1 Peter 2:9 Devotional
You are Called by God to Declare His Praises
1 Peter 2:9 declares that “You are called by God to declare His praises.” And for what it’s worth, God called you (2 Timothy 1:19) in Christ before the creation of the world (Ephesians 1:4 and John 15:16).
Consequently, as a Christian, you should be drastically different from the world. It is therefore no wonder that in Matthew 5:13, Christ said you are the salt of the earth. And as salt, you preserve the world from decay.
Similarly, in Matthew 5:14, Christ also said that you are the light of the world. And as light, you shine Jesus Christ’s light to the world (John 1:1-9, and 17:14-15).
Remember, Peter, in 1st Peter chapter 2 verse 9 finishes his verse with the words: “God called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” So you can clearly appreciate that being light is very important to God.
Therefore, and in other words, God has differentiated you through Jesus Christ so that you can evangelize and maintain a biblical standpoint on societal issues. Moreover, Peter specifically outlines that you have been called to be:
- a royal priesthood – you have direct access to God through Jesus Christ (1 Timothy 2:5 and Hebrews 4:15),
- a holy nation – you are set apart for His purpose(s), and
- God’s special possession – you belong to Him (Psalm 100:3 & 1 Corinthians 6:20). And who you have been called to be, is the biggest motivation for praising Him today.
But you have to appreciate that this is a costly calling (position) and lifestyle. Because you have to constantly declare the praises of God.
Prayer/Blessing
May you praise God today for your choosing, calling, and of course through your calling. Amen.
Daily Bible Reading
Numbers 19-20 (see How to Read the Bible in One Year or How to Read the Bible (for Beginners))
