“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 the darkness into his marvelous light.” 1 Peter 2:9
At this point in my life I have been many things. Quite so many, in fact, that I can often forget who I am. Like many people would answer the question, “Who are you?”, I can say; a wife, a mother a teacher, a leader, a friend, etc. These I can say easily and confidently. I have had these roles for a long time. But if I pause first to answer the question, “Who are you?” and dig a bit deeper, I might answer; tired, busy, anxious, pivoting, waiting, happy, sad, serving, etc. These answers rely on the moment, my mood or the situation. When I’m not sure exactly who I am, I can look deep into 1 Peter 2:9 to be reminded. There it says, “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 the darkness into his marvelous light” 1 Peter2:9.
Remember you are a chosen race. God created all and He loves variety. God calls His people from all races and creates a new race - a chosen race. No matter what box you might tick off in this category on a questionnaire, you are a chosen race. One that is new and transcendent, because of the sacrifice of Jesus, our Savior.
You are part of a royal priesthood. While this might seem lofty and I certainly feel ill equipped for this title, Peter reminds us that being a part of this royal priesthood means two things. First is that we, as Christians, have access. In the Old Testament only the Israelite priesthood were those who had access to God, but through Jesus - we too have access to God through His Word and through prayer. Secondly, like an Old Testament priest, we have sacrificial duties. As Christians we are to “present our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God”. (Romans 12:1) Yes, as part of the royal priesthood of Christianity I have access to and a sacrificial duty to God.
You are part of a holy nation. While this has more to do with citizenship than kinship, it does refer to God pulling together a nation from all nations to build the kingdom of God. This is an eternal kingdom, not ruled by land or government, but by holiness. We are holy - set apart for God’s specific purposes.
You are part of a people for God’s own possession. Simply put, God possesses everything. I am His, and as His I recognize and celebrate His ownership.
When I need direction on who I am, when I can’t find a definition or role on my own, when the moment or mood brings forward an undesirable reflection of myself, I can read 1 Peter 2:9 and find a more God-chosen perspective on who He says I am; Chosen, Important, Protected, Unique, Precious, Forgiven, Loved, Ransomed, Saved, Created for a Purpose or Treasured. I am who GOD says I am; a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His possession.
Today, I pray that you find hope, peace and encouragement in WHO YOU ARE because you are HIS and are called out of darkness into His marvelous light!
Sharon Haar, St. Paul’s Pacific Beach, CA