nation

"But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light." 1 Peter 2:9

In spite of what one often hears on so-called Christian television these days, the nation mentioned in this verse is not referring to the United States of America. No, the nation-race-priesthood-people here is clearly referring to God's Kingdom, those who "proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light."

It took me a long to to figure out what the bible is talking about when it says "God's Kingdom." I had a vague understanding that it meant the church, but I always wondered which one. I mean, the Catholic Church has been around for a long time now, and most of them would understand that it is truly God's Kingdom. And in a sense, they're right, but not completely.

My own church, the church my parents regularly attended way, way back when I first sprang into this world, and to which my sainted mother still goes each and every week; the same church my wife and I attend each and every week; the church where I was baptised as a scrawny 9-year-old, the same church in which I was married...twice; the church where I baptised my own sweet and scrawny 9-year-old daughter; that same old church, along with the other churches with which it is associated, always seemed to me to be God's Kingdom. And it is. Sort of.

But the thing I've come to understand is that God's Kingdom exists in the people who proclaim God as their King! God's Kingdom is anywhere and everywhere there are believers, regardless of physical or denominational boundries. You know, it's that "...where two or three have gathered together in My name, I am there..." sort of thing.

So when it talks about a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, it's talking about us! About you and me!

Holy cow. Seems a little intimidating.

Lord, I believe you have chosen me. Why, I'm not sure, but I believe it's true. I want to be what you have chosen me to be - royally priest-like and holy for you because you are my God and my salvation. Without you I would be in darkness but you have called me into your light so I can see and understand how much you have truly blessed me and how marvelous you are, my Father. Bless you, Lord. You are one excellent God. I love you!