A Holy Nation

1 Peter 2:9-10 “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s own people, that you may declare the wonderful deeds of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light. Once you were no people but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy but now you have received mercy.”

The whole body of Christ, the whole church, is to be a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s very own people. Consider how priests strive to live holy lives and serve the people. If we, as the body of Christ, are a royal priesthood and holy nation, then one might ask if we are living lives that are unstained from the world and serving others? Are we constantly offering up prayers before Him? Are we praying without ceasing on behalf of others?

This gift, this Good News, which has been freely given to us must be shared with others so that they too can know. We cannot keep it as a secret Gospel to only those who meet our criteria or standards or those who come from the same socioeconomic background as us. The Lord is calling us out of darkness and He is ready to shed His mercy upon us. May our lives be a reflection of Christ, His compassion, His mercy, His holiness, as we strive to grow closer and closer to Him. May we declare His wonderful deeds.

No matter the nation that we live in and no matter how dark things get, let us be a holy nation that can minister to those around us with love, compassion, and mercy.