January 25, 2019 – I Peter 2:9-10

But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for He called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. “Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy.” I Peter 2:9-10.

From the moment we are born, we desire to ‘belong’ to someone.  He calls us out of the darkness where we wander around, feeling lost.  He offers us purpose, family, and our identity.  

Romans 8:27-29. And the Father who knows all hearts knows what the Spirit is saying, for the Spirit pleads for us believers in harmony with God’s own will.  And we know that God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. For God knew His people in advance, and He chose them to become like His Son, so that His Son would be the firstborn among many brothers and sisters.

The sweetness of the Shepherd who gathers his flock is echoed in Isaiah 40:11. He will feed his flock like a shepherd. He will carry the lambs in his arms, holding them close to his heart. He will gently lead the mother sheep with their young.  Jesus said,  “I am the good shepherd. The good shepherd sacrifices his life for the sheep.”  John 10:11.  We are adored and cared for in God.  

Our identity begins in God for His Fingerprint is on our heart before we are born.  The Lord directs the steps of the godly. He delights in every detail of their lives. Psalm 37:23.

Once you were like sheep who wandered away. But now you have turned to your Shepherd, the Guardian of your souls. I Peter 2:25.