Now therefore, if you obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession out of all the peoples. Indeed, the whole earth is mine, but you shall be for me a priestly kingdom and a holy nation.” vss. 5-6a
Exodus 19:2-8a
The ancient Hebrews had what some might call an elevated sense of their importance. They fervently believed that they had been set aside by God for a special purpose. Out of all peoples of the earth they were to be a priestly kingdom and a holy nation. It’s a noble heritage, and because their descendants have clung to that identity the Jewish people continue to be a significant presence in the world. And through Jesus Christ, himself a Jew, that identity has been adopted by countless races and cultures, and followers of Jesus have come to believe they have a special call and purpose. Indeed, we who are in Christ see ourselves as a holy and priestly presence, and at our best, that’s exactly who we are! We speak of ourselves as the hands and feet of God and understand that we are to be the mediators of God’s unconditional love. We are the ones who show up where there is suffering and pain, offering our time and resources in sacrificial service, and the whole world is blessed by our presence. Of course, it’s not easy to maintain that focus–too often we get caught up in petty divisions and jealousies, and there is a constant need for reformation. But our calling will always remain–we really are a chosen people!
Thought for the Day: How does my life reflect my calling?
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