Reading: 1 Peter 2:9–12
Whether they would care to admit it, people often receive recognition or an award for something that they had little or no part of. While it may feel good to be given the praise of others, at the end of the day, people may find themselves guilty of accepting recognition for something they did not do or accomplish.
A similar sentiment is felt when we read these words today: “But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession” (v. 9). What have we done that deserves such an honor, such a magnificent title? We are indeed far from being holy, let alone a chosen people. Peter reminds us that we were once lost, living in darkness and separated from a holy and just God.
It is in the sacrifice of the sinless Christ that we have been made a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. Christ not only came to be our Priest, but to be the perfect sacrifice, pleasing and acceptable to God. From the blood of the Lamb of God, we have received grace and pardon for our sin. We are a people who have been redeemed and made new!
Prayer
O holy God, we were once not a people, separated from you on account of the darkness of our sin and guilt. Through the perfect sacrifice of your Son and the blood that flowed from Calvary, we have been made a holy nation, a royal priesthood, a chosen race. Remind us always that because of Him, we are made worthy to be your chosen people; through Jesus Christ, our Lord. Amen.
Hymn
Lamb of God, pure and holy,
Who on the cross didst suffer,
Ever patient and lowly,
Thyself to scorn didst offer.
All sins Thou borest for us,
Else had despair reigned o’er us:
Have mercy on us, O Jesus!
O Jesus! (LSB 434:1)
Ryan Maser (Sem III, CSL)