1 Peter 2:9 KJV
[9] 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:
Where there is a BUT, you have to consider the position that had been presented. You find a choice between two extremes: believe or perish. There is no middle ground, where you can stay non-committed to anything, open to whatever suggestions that may come. A decision has to be made one way or another, and you have to live with the earthly and eternal consequences of that decision. For all who choose to believe, today's verse lays out the benefits and blessings that accrue to you. It does not matter what has gone on before now; that decision to believe in Jesus and accept Him as Lord and Saviour is the the key to access all these benefits. Why are these benefits so critical to my identity? It is God's mark of distinction and discipline for all who are under his authority. When you see a king, there ars physical features that will lend credence to that identity. Do I even know who I am, or who I have called to follow and serve?
The same principle applies to the spiritual. When you see the child of the King of kings, there must be distinguishing features that will make it clear who that child is, and whose he or she is. A review of few of these features will help us here. By the nature of the kingship and priesthood in Israel, one person could be appointed to serve in both offices at the same time. David would occasionally wear the ephod but he was not ordained as God's priest at any time. In our current dispensation, God appoints all who believe as His kings and priests, presenting him before the world in both physical and spiritual assignments. Of course, one distinct feature of God is Holiness, without which no man shall see the Lord. And of course, the decision to follow and submit to Jesus is not really an attractive or convenient one; there is a price to pay for going against popular opinion or the way of the world.
All of the above lead to the conclusion in the verse above. Why would God do all He has done and give as much as He has, if there will not be a corresponding expectation from me? Why would God choose to show His affection on me, if there is nothing to be gained from it? That is why the verse above ends with this mission statement: "shew forth the praises of him". That is how my life must be defined, in light of the decision I made to give my life to Him. Men must see me and see the mark of the Most High God on me. Men must have an encounter with God through my conduct, company and conversation. He called me out of darkness and certain death, into the light and life which have no end. He has done His bit; what would I do for Him in return? He gave His all for me; what am I willing to give up for Him? Would my current path and life pattern lead to God's glory? God's time of favour is here .
No comments:
Post a Comment