A Peculiar People

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous: light. -- 1 Peter 2:10 (NASB)

We've been studying the book of 1 Peter in Sunday School the past couple of weeks. Yesterday, we spent some time on the passage above. Up to this point, Peter has encouraged us by reminding us that we have a "living hope" (1:3) that has come to us through the "living word" (1:23), purchased with the "precious blood" of Jesus Christ, our "living" Savior - the "living stone" (2:4)

But you or because of these things, Peter states that we--Christians--are a "chosen people." The KJV translators rendered the word "chosen" as peculiar. I think I like that translation a little better. If we belong to God ("a people for God's own possession"), then we are peculiar or different, especially in today's world. Not everyone belongs to God, and at times -- actually, most of the time-- those who don't belong to Him seem to revel in that fact. They even "...think it strange that you do not plunge with them into the same flood of dissipation, and they heap abuse on you." --1 Peter 4:4 (NIV)

We are peculiar to the world, but we are also peculiar or "special" to God. He chose us. We are His. And nothing or anyone can alter that. (Romans 8:38-39) Knowing that we are "special" to God, that we belong to Him, should cause us to praise Him!

I don't mind being called peculiar...actually, it's an honorable and comforting label...if you belong to God.