Chosen As God's People

Chosen As God’s People || 1 Peter 2: 9-10 || Deacon Pacia Love

“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. 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”

I am remembering my dad Deacon Emeritus Ernest R. Thompkins heavenly birthday. Lent is a season of reflection of remembering who we are and whose we are.

In this passage, the apostle Saint Peter reminds believers of their true identity. He is writing to Christian scattered, and facing hardship, he calls him something remarkable Chosen. Not chosen because of perfection, but because of God’s grace. Lent humbles us as we acknowledge our sin, yet it also lifts us as we remember we belong to God.

We are described as a royal priesthood, which means we have direct access to God and a calling to respect him in the world. To be a holy nation means we are set apart. Lent is at time of setting apart fasting from distractions, turning from harmful habits, and re-centering our hearts on Christ. We are God’s special possession deeply loved and intentionally redeemed.

Lent invites us to step out of the darkness of distraction, sin, and self-reliance, and to walk again in His “wonderful light” through repentance and prayer. We remember the mercy we have received. Once we were distance, once we were lost, but now because of Christ Jesus, we belong. Being chosen is not about privilege, it is about purpose “that you may declare the praises of Him.” Our lives, become testimonies of his Grace when we forgive, love, serve, and endure with faith.
So, let us all spend time in quiet reflection, thanking God, for calling us into his light confess areas where we need his mercy and receive his forgiveness. Also let us look of ways to reflect his light through acts of kindness, and faithfulness during this Lenten season.
 Prayer: Thank you, Lord, for calling me your own, and reminding me that I am chosen, loved and set apart for your purpose. You lead me out of darkness into your marvelous light. Help me to walk in gratitude and to declare your praises through my words and actions. In Jesus name Amen.