‘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 marvellous light.’ 1 Peter 2:9 (NRSV)
No longer people living aimlessly for ourselves, we have become a chosen people claimed by God to declare His praises amongst a people who have yet to know Him. As chosen people, Jesus asks us to observe His behaviour by studying the gospels. We quickly learn that Jesus rested securely in His unique, chosen position. He knew who He was and whose He was. When we rest in our chosen position we do not need to compete, undermine or overrule one another. Jesus taught that we can live in submission to one another. As chosen ones, we can reach out in love and genuine care, nurturing and blessing one another as we seek to promote the God life in each other.
Instead of making us feel that we are better, more valuable or important than others, our awareness of being chosen opens our eyes to the choseness of others. Once we deeply trust that we ourselves are precious in God’s eyes, we are able to honour the preciousness of others and the unique place they also hold in God’s heart.
How has my own choseness changed the relationships I share with others? What new levels of growth does God invite me to as I contemplate the interactions of Jesus with others in the gospel stories?