But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy.
1 Peter 2:9-10

~~~~~

Out of the Darkness
By Jennifer Kane

Out in the shadows,
I stumbled,
groping through the haze—
a life veiled in darkness,
the weight of my blindness pressing heavy.

The world around me,
a shifting gray,
offered no shape, no meaning—
only the echo of my own steps.

But then, a call—
not harsh, not cold,
yet piercing through the void.
A voice wrapped in mercy,
a summons I could not refuse.

My Lord named me
when I had no name.
He claimed me
when I was not claimed.
He clothed me in light
when all I wore was the night.

The veil finally lifted,
and there it was—
His marvelous light.
Colors I had never known danced before me;
the truth I had never grasped filled my soul.

I saw the scars on His hands,
the love in His eyes,
and I understood—
I was chosen.

Now I proclaim
the One who called me
out of the darkness and silence,
into the radiance of belonging.
No longer lost,
no longer blind,
I walk in His light—
a child of mercy,
a beloved child of God.

~~~~~

Scripture: 1 Peter 2:9-10

In this passage, Peter reminds us of the extraordinary privilege God has given to believers. Once, we were far from Him, wandering in spiritual darkness, without identity or hope. But through Christ, we’ve been called into His marvelous light. We are no longer aimless or unseen; we are now His chosen generation, His royal priesthood, His holy nation, His treasured possession.

These titles were once reserved for Israel, but through Jesus, they now include all believers—Jew and Gentile alike. This honor isn’t because of anything we’ve done; it’s because God chose us intentionally as part of His plan. Like a priceless artifact gains value because of its owner, we are made precious because we belong to Him.

Through Christ, we’ve been given a dual identity: we are kings and priests. In ancient Israel, these roles were strictly separated, but in Jesus—our King and High Priest—they are united. We now have direct access to God and the responsibility to intercede for others.

Why has God bestowed such an incredible calling on us? So we may proclaim His praises—the praises of the One who brought us out of darkness into His marvelous light. Our lives are meant to reflect His mercy and grace. Once, we had no identity, but now we belong to Him. Once, we had not received mercy, but now we stand under the abundance of His compassion.

This truth calls for action. Gratitude should overflow into worship, and worship should lead to lives that testify to His goodness. How are we proclaiming His praises? Do we live in a way that reflects our identity as chosen, royal, holy, and treasured?

Let us boldly shine His light in a world still shrouded in darkness, offering the hope and love of Christ to those who desperately need Him.

~~~~~

Dear Heavenly Father,
Thank You for calling me out of darkness and into Your marvelous light. When I was lost and without identity, You claimed me as Your own. I praise You for the mercy that reshaped my life and for the truth that fills my soul with joy. Help me live out my identity as Your chosen child, reflecting Your light to a world in need. Teach me to proclaim Your praises boldly, in both my words and actions. May my life bring You glory and lead others to experience Your love and grace.
In the name of Jesus Christ, Amen.

November 24 2024