Chosen!

Chosen!

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:

In every generation, names are important. We have seen destinies shaped, defined or destroyed by the names given to individuals, as was 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, whose name was going to destroy His life, who cried to God, and though the bible did not say that his name was changed, his destiny was redefined. We also read of men like Judas Iscariot, who though his name was not negative in any way, his actions have now defined the name, and it does not appear that anyone wants to bear his name. It then means that names are important, but it is even more important for God to define your life and chart a course for your life. If it happens this way, it will not mattwe whar the world calls you.

In the hands of God, you are always on a journey of discovery and impact. Let us consider the audience of this letter by Peter, who was writing to the elect—both Jewish and Gentile believers, who found themselves in exile, scattered throughout the Asian world at the time. These were the people being referred to in the verse above: 'a chosen race'. They were not the only race on earth at the time, but Israel was chosen by God. It was an individual who was called out of his father's house, yet his whole generation, several centuries later, would come to enjoy the benefits and blessings of that man's walk with God. What this tells me is that all I do now is a seed that children after me will reap from, good or bad. Ask Abraham, whose blessings we all are still claiming today. As mentioned earlier, you could ask Judas Iscariot, who may never have anyone bear his names for all of eternity.

God also calls us 'a royal priesthood'. Even in old testament times, there was no individual who was able to combine the offices of king, prophet, and priest at the same time and for all time, not even David. But in this generation, God himself assigns all these offices to those who are his own. These are great privileges with great responsibilities. I cannot afford to live as I please, or carelessly. I cannot afford to speak or act as I please, because the world is looking at me. I am a living, breathing testimony of God's power, and I have to live daily in that consciousness. God also calls me 'a holy nation'. Holiness is God's attribute, and all who claim his name and want His blessings must live in that reality. I cannot claim to know God and live in sin at the same time. I cannot continue in sin and expect God's grace to abound. 'A peculiar people' means that I cannot hide, unless I am good at compromise.

I cannot truly live for God and not be hated by some and loved by others. My life will prick some people's hearts, while others will mock my stand and principles. Whatever happens, I am confident in the knowledge that God backs me up. All the names above have a purpose- that my life should show forth God's praise. God did not 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 do not 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 name will be the answer to that eternal question. God's time of favour is here.