Scattered·Thursday
A peculiar people
1 Peter 2:9
Today's reading: a short Bible passage, a reflection, a question to think about, and a prayer.
But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
1 Peter 2:9 · Berean Standard Bible (BSB), public domain
"But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession." The King James Version renders that last phrase "a peculiar people." It doesn't mean strange for the sake of being strange. It means belonging to God, set apart for a purpose: to proclaim the one who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
In the session, WordiGirl said "peculiar" is one of her favorite words, a word for being set apart by God. Later she was honest that being set apart can feel lonely. "The harvest is plentiful, the laborers are few, and sometimes you might not see another laborer in the field, but that doesn't mean you stop picking."
Digital ministry can feel like a field with no one else in it. You log on, you show up, you pray for people you may never meet in person, and you can wonder whether anyone else is out there doing the same. Peter's words don't depend on a crowd. You are chosen and called whether or not you can see the other laborers.
Today, embrace what makes you peculiar to God. You belong to him, and he has a purpose for the way he made you and the places he sends you. Then keep picking. Send the encouraging message, show up to the stream, and pray by name for the person in the chat who asked. His marvelous light is worth reflecting, even when you feel alone in the field.
Apply
Where do you feel alone in the field, and what would it look like to keep picking anyway?
What stood out to you? Save a note in your HEAR Journal: https://thechurch.digital/journal/today/
Respond
God, you called me out of darkness into your marvelous light. Thank you that I belong to you. When I can't see the other laborers, keep me faithful in the field you've given me, and let my life proclaim your goodness. Amen.
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1 Peter 2:1–10
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