Let us not forget who we are. That is not one of the “let us” exhortations found in the New Testament. It is one of mine. Well, it actually may be one of Peter’s, he just didn’t phrase it quite like that. He said: “You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, 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]
When things get difficult around us, when the world is shouting at us that we are “non-essential” or that we need to shut our doors (and our mouths), we need to remember who we are.
Peter’s definition uses broad strokes, and yet each one of those holds a special meaning for believers. We are (1) chosen, (2) royal, (3) holy, (4) God’s own. (v9)
And, while we were not, we are now; while we had not, we have now. (v10)
We are God’s chosen people. Does it not amaze you that God wants us? He chose us.
We are God’s royal priesthood. We are people who serve the King of all Kings, and we share in His royalty.
We are God’s holy nation. He set us apart (unto holiness) and we strive to work out that holiness in our daily lives.
We are God’s children. We belong to Him. No one else can lay claim to us. His ownership exceeds and transcends all others.
And while we once were nothing, now we are the people of God.
And while once we did not have mercy, now we are recipients of mercy.
To top it all – let us not forget that no matter the “darkness” that is all around us now, we have been called out of that and into “His marvelous light.” We do not abide in the world’s darkness, we dwell now and forever in the Eternal Light of our LORD and Savior, Christ Jesus.
So … let us not forget who we are. His!
