We are a holy nation

“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.” 1 Peter 2:9 NLT

            Today as I write this devotional my television monitor is displaying the March for Israel Rally in Washington, D. C… Anti-Semitism has been on the rise not only in the United States but across the world. Recent escalation has been due to the terrorist attack by Hamas on the nation of Israel on October 7, 2023. But it is clear that hatred toward the Jewish people has been on-going since the early Bible days, and will continue until the Lord Jesus returns to reign in Jerusalem during the millennial kingdom.

            The Bible is crystal clear as to the Jewish people. They are God’s chosen people separated as holy unto Him. Deuteronomy 14:2 says, “You have been set apart as holy to the LORD your God, and he has chosen you from all the nations of the earth to be his own special treasure.” (NLT) God has not forgotten or deserted His people today. And most of all there is a great future for the nation of Israel as prophesized in Scripture.

            The apostle Peter makes the connection of Christians also being a chosen people, or the elect of God. Those who have accepted Christ as Savior are royal priests and part of a holy nation. ‘Holy’ meaning set apart for God. We are a nation set apart to tell the world about Jesus Christ. The world has been a dark place since the sin of Adam and Eve and growing darker. The nations of the world are at war with each other. Many see this as a sign of the end times. Jesus told His disciples, “And you will hear of wars and threats of wars, but don’t panic. Yes, these things must take place, but the end won’t follow immediately.” (Mk. 13:7 NLT)

            How close we are to the Lord’s return we don’t know. But as the only holy nation on earth, Christians are the only true source of light in the world today. We are to live in such a way to not cover our shine drawing others towards it. We have seen the signs. The Lord’s return is sure whether in our time or in generations to come. A holy nation will act accordingly. We are a holy nation!