Devotion for Tuesday, September 20 (A Week with First Peter)

But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God's own people, in order that you may proclaim the mighty acts of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light 

(I Peter 2: 9)

We are chosen by God to proclaim the mighty acts of the One who shines light into the darkness.

I believe that this reading encapsulates our Christian life so well.  

First, God acts.  God chooses us. God comes near. God calls us unique and special. This is the work of a benevolent God who loves and redeems and invites us into a new life with him.

Second, we respond. We have the opportunity to share about the mighty acts of God.  This is our opportunity, our CALLING, to remind people of the God who brings us through the dark times and into the hope of light! 

God is up to this kind of stuff ALL THE TIME! We have the biblical witness, yes, but we also have the witness of friends helping friends through tough times, congregations who support those in need, ministries that feed the hungry, clothe the naked, and offer safe harbor to the refugee.  

We have been called and named as God's own. We have been given an amazing message to tell. Let us live into the wonderful gift of faith with clear eyes, full hearts, and strong voices. 

Jesus, you have called us your own. May we live with boldness and courage. Amen.