Chosen!

But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light: 1 Peter 2:9 KJV

In any generation, names are important. Destinies are tied or defined by the names given to individuals as is evident in Bible times. We see men like Jacob, who despite his best intentions, had to be given a new name by God because he had a destiny to fulfil. We also see men like Jabez, who cried to God when his name was becoming a limiting factor, and though his name was not changed, his destiny was  redefined. It then means that names are important, but it is even more important for God to define your life and chart a course for you. That way, irrespective of whatever name the world calls you, you are on a journey of discovery and impact.

Check out the names God calls us here: 'a chosen generation'. Out of many, called by God. Not just as an individual, but as a generation. It means that all I do now is a seed that children after me will reap from, good or bad. Ask Abraham, whose blessings we are still claiming till today. Or you could ask Judas Iscariot, who may never have anyone bear his names for all eternity.

God also calls us 'a  royal priesthood'. Even in old testament times, NOBODY combined the office of a king and a priest, not even David. But in this generation, God himself assigns both offices to those who are his. Great privilege, yet great responsibility. You can't live anyhow, you can't speak or act as you please, because the world is looking at you. You are a living, breathing testimony of God's power and you must live daily in that consciousness.

God also calls us 'a holy nation'. Holiness is God's attribute, and all who claim his name and blessings must live in that reality. You can never claim to know God and live in sin. You cannot continue in sin and expect grace to abound. 'A peculiar people' means that you cannot hide, unless you are good at compromise. You cannot truly live for God and not be hated by some and loved by others. Your life will prick some  people's hearts while others will mock your stand and principles. Whatever happens, you are confident in the knowledge that God backs you up.

All the names above have a purpose- that my life show forth God's praise. God didn't call me those names so I can be puffed up or think I am the best around; but that I live in the consciousness of the One I represent. I don't have a life of my own; God owns all that I am and have. Am I therefore living like someone who bears the name? Can people call me by those names, confident that I can bear those names to God's glory? Or am I the one claiming the names, while God himself does not reckon with me?

I must settle the question of my identity today. God must re-name me if need be, because it does not matter how the world sees me now or what it calls me, what God says is fundamental. I have an eternal question to answer. My names will be the answer to that eternal question. His time of favour is here.