1Peter 2:9 “But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; “
Ask yourself this question, “In what is your identity?”
Is it in an experience, a tragedy, an upbringing, a culture, the color of your skin or the community you are in? Is it in your achievements or your failures, your name or in your looks? Is your identity in a sports team or your school, a club or the car you drive? Is your identity in your hobby, your work, your friendships? Is your identity attached to your clothing or music style or if you are liked and accepted? Maybe it is one of these or many of these.
I ask the question because God wants us to see ourselves as he does and identify ourselves as he does. All these earthly identities will vanish when the Lord returns for us or if we were to die before that. When you and I stand before the lord in his glorious presence we will not be dressed in that identifying clothing we wear so proudly nor be attached any more to that group or club or team. We will not enter boasting of our earthly accomplishments or achievements nor our failures and weaknesses we once were labeled as by others.
No, none of these will be seen on us because none of them are who we are as believers and followers and disciples of the Lord Jesus Christ. So why are they so seriously held to while on the earth since they are as temporal as a passing cloud and hold no real value to life?
Through Peter God has communicated that those who come to him (1Pet 2 vs. 4), are royal, holy, and special. Not because of us but because of him.
Royal - as in kingly or regal because we have become the the adopted children of God
Holy - as in set apart as he, our holy God, is from all things and not attached to Him.
Special - here the Greek refers to that which is possessed or owned. Consider that which you own and how those things are special to you. We are God’s possessions therefore being special to Him.
These all speak of a new identity attached to Him who saved us. They speak of transformation that is intended by God for us to see and live out. But the verse also communicates purpose and direction. We are royal, holy and his special possession so to proclaim Him and that he has delivered us from darkness, a life absent of his presence, to light, a life eternal with Him.
So now ask the question again. What is your identity?
Blessings
pBob