Bible in a Year: Ezra 68; John 21
You are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Gods special possession. 1 Peter 2:9
Oh, its only a gypsy boy, someone whispered with disgust when Rodney Smith walked to the front of the chapel to receive Christ during a service in 1877. Nobody thought much of this teenager, the son of uneducated gypsy parents. Yet, Rodney didnt listen to those voices. He was certain that God had a purpose for his life so he bought himself a Bible and an English dictionary and taught himself how to read and write. He once said, The way to Jesus is not by Cambridge, Harvard, Yale, or the poets. It is . . . an old-fashioned hill called Calvary. Against all odds, Rodney became an evangelist who God used to bring many to Jesus in the UK and US.
Peter too was just a simple manuntrained in the religious rabbinic schools (Acts 4:13), a fisherman from Galileewhen Jesus called him with two simple words: Follow me (Matthew 4:19). Yet the same Peter, despite his upbringing and the failures he experienced along the way, later affirmed that those who follow Jesus are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, Gods special possession (1 Peter 2:9).
Through Jesus Christ all peoplewhatever their education, upbringing, gender, or ethnicitycan be a part of the family of God and be used by Him. Becoming Gods special possession is for all who believe in Jesus.
What does it mean for you to be part of a chosen people, a royal priesthood, Gods special possession? How are you encouraged by the fact that God can use you for His honor?
God, I thank You that my identity is found in You.
Good evening, Mayor, and thank you for today’s sustenance for body and soul.
We made it through hump day. The weekend can almost be seen.