Have you ever been picked for a team, or chosen for a special honor? That feeling of being selected, of being recognized as special, is a powerful one. Our key verses today tell us that God has chosen us, not for a temporary purpose, but for an eternal one.
Deuteronomy 7:6, in the Old Testament, says, “For you are a people holy to the Lord your God. The Lord your God has chosen you out of all the peoples on the face of the earth to be his people, his treasured possession.” And 1 Peter 2:9, in the New Testament, declares, “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.”
These verses tell us that God has a special plan for those who believe in Him. He has “called” us out of the world and “chosen” us to be His own. Let’s explore what it means to be “called and chosen.”
Deuteronomy 7:6 tells us that we are “holy to the Lord your God.” The word “holy” means set apart, special. It means that God has chosen us to be different, to belong to Him in a unique way. We are not just like everyone else; we are His people. Think about a precious jewel. It’s not like an ordinary stone; it’s valuable and treasured. In the same way, God sees us as His “treasured possession.” We are special to Him. He has chosen us, not because of anything we have done, but because of His love.
1 Peter 2:9 uses even more powerful words to describe us. It says we are “a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation.”
- Chosen people: This reminds us that God has specifically selected us to be His own. It’s not a random thing; it’s a deliberate act of His grace.
- Royal priesthood: In the Old Testament, priests were special people who went into God’s presence to represent the people. Now, we are all priests! We have direct access to God through Jesus. We are part of a “royal” family, because we belong to the King of kings.
- Holy nation: A nation is a group of people with a common identity and purpose. We are a “holy nation,” set apart for God’s purposes, living together in love and unity.
1 Peter 2:9 also tells us that God has “called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.” This describes the change that happens when we come to Christ. Before, we were living in spiritual darkness, separated from God. But God called us out of that darkness and into His light. It’s like being in a dark room and someone opens the door. Suddenly, you can see! You are no longer lost and confused. God’s light shows us the way, and His love fills our hearts. Why has God called and chosen us? 1 Peter 2:9 tells us it is “that you may declare the praises of him.” We are chosen to tell others about God! We are to proclaim the wonderful things He has done.
This isn’t just about preaching sermons (though it can include that). It’s about:
- Our words: Speaking about God’s goodness and love.
- Our lives: Living in a way that shows God’s character.
- Our actions: Doing things that honor God and help others.
We are God’s representatives on earth, showing the world what He is like.
Being called and chosen is an incredible privilege. It means that we belong to God, that we have a special purpose, and that we are loved with an everlasting love. It’s not something we earned; it’s a gift of His grace. Let’s live in the light of this truth, knowing that we are chosen, loved, and called to make a difference in the world.