1 Peter 2:9-10
But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10 (NRSVUE)
The Christian Church that Peter was writing to was just beginning to be recognized. It was a strange new group on the peripheral of the Roman Empire. They suffered because of it . . . and yet God calls them a chosen people.
With our 2 year-old grandson in the back seat, I was pulling into his driveway when he looked out the window and said “GRANDPA IS MOWING!!!”. . . “Can I mow too? Can I mow too?” After wrangling him out of his car seat, he was off to get his toy mower and soon he was in lock step behind grandpa, bubbles blowing in the wind!
The church is on a different trajectory now than during the time when these verses were written. There are many who are concerned with the future. However, the message of these verses is still the same – we are God’s precious chosen people. We belong to God first and then to each other as God’s people. How do we share this message with others? We can share it with words but we can also share it by example.
By example in our homes, in the church and in the world.
- When our neighbors see us leaving for church on Sunday morning and we wave!
- When they see a “Love Your Neighbor” or “I’m a Teammate” sign in our yard.
- When we serve at church as greeters, help with communion, teach Sunday School or Confirmation . . .
- When we help to grow and/or distribute food to the hungry, visit people who are ill or alone, serve at Clinic With A Heart or any of the local outreach ministries . . .
- When we learn and grow with our brothers and sisters in Christ on a mission trip, sponsor a student, tie quilts for Lutheran World Relief, support a global project . . .
In all these ways and so many more we are sharing God’s love and mercy. We are being God’s chosen people. And as God’s chosen people, we are building the future of the church.
Why does our grandson love to mow? Because the people who love him, love to have him mow with them! They are leading by example. And when he is “chosen” to really mow the lawn, I predict he will be a master lawn-mower!
Questions for Reflection:
- Is there someone who is an example to you? Can you see how God has chosen them?
- How do you respond to being chosen by God?
- How do we help others know that they’ve been chosen?
Prayer
Thank you Lord, for your church and all the chosen people who have been an example to me. People who have talked with me, invited me, encouraged me, served with me – showed me your presence in the world. Guide me to try to live out their example and be an example to others. Amen
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