Text- 1 Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light”
“A chosen generation” is not just a description, it is an identity… It is not what we are, it is who we are. Yesterday, I showed you how profound and incredible it is that we all belong in the same generation. But then, not only that… that text says, we are a CHOSEN generation.
“Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love, having predestined us to adoption as sons by Jesus Christ to Himself, according to the good pleasure of His will, to the praise of the glory of His grace, by which He made us accepted in the Beloved.” – Ephesians 1:3-6
We read from scriptures that Jesus was fore-ordained (chosen) before the foundation of the world (1 Peter 1:18-20). It is in this context that Paul said in Ephesians 3 that “He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world”
We also read from scriptures that Jesus was loved before the foundation of the world (John 17:23). It is in this context that Paul went on to say in Ephesians 3 that “He made us accepted in the Beloved”
What is the implication of being ‘chosen’? Paul puts it this way in his admonition to some believers in Colossians 3:12-17
He said, “Since you have been chosen by God who has given you this new kind of life, and because of his deep love and concern for you, you should..”
Practice tenderhearted mercy and kindness to others.
Put on meekness and humbleness of mind
Be ready to suffer (persecution, tribulations etc.) quietly and patiently.
Be gentle and ready to forgive; never hold grudges.
Let love guide your life, for then the whole church will stay together in perfect harmony.
Let the peace of heart that comes from Christ be always present in your hearts and lives, for this is your responsibility and privilege as members of his body.
Always be thankful. Come with Jesus into the presence of God the Father to give him your thanks.
Remember what Christ taught, and let his words enrich your lives and make you wise
Teach them to each other and sing them out in psalms and hymns and spiritual songs, singing to the Lord with thankful hearts.
Whatever you do or say; let it be as a representative of the Lord Jesus.
God choose you in Christ before the foundation of the world, and He has made you accepted in the beloved. You are a chosen generation! Every true believer in Jesus Christ belongs to this special generation. Justify that you are a right choice.
PRAYER
Father, help me to understand the depth of what it means that I am a chosen generation, and to live in that reality in Jesus Name.
Image Credit: rccgleeds.org.uk