Front Page Sunday 16th July 2006

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into His wonderful light.’ (1Peter 2:9).
This verse is one of the most encouraging and affirming scriptures that I know of. It has a declaration, you are chosen, a priest, you belong to God. This declaration is followed by a reason and challenge, because of who you are, you declare (testify) and praise Him; and finally a statement of your destiny, no longer in darkness, but now because of His love for you, now in his wonderful light.
In his gospel and other books (1,2,3 John) the Apostle John uses the term ‘light’ to describe the Holy Spirit, taken in this context then, Peter is telling us that you are no longer lost (in darkness) but now have his wonderful life giving Spirit (light). You can understand just why I see this wonderful scripture as being a special affirmation and encouragement to us today. No matter what state your life is in, even if you are in the depths of despair, suffering from an illness, or just suffering from the ‘winter blues’ this verse can lift your spirit as you realise just what God has done for you and how He views you as a very special person. Chosen, a priest, a person who belongs to Him, how we could not sing His praises as we worship the King of Kings, Lord of Lords.
Praise God.

Blair