I remember many decades ago as a young Christian, I heard the following song for the first time;
We are a chosen generation
A royal priesthood, a holy nation
A peculiar people
To show forth the praises of Him
Who has called you out of darkness
Out of darkness
Out of darkness
into His marvellous light
into His marvellous light
I must confess I didn’t fully understand the impact of that song then. I was wondering, “Why are we singing that we are a peculiar people? Isn’t that a negative thing? In my mind, being peculiar meant being strange or odd. Little did I know then that the lyrics of that song was taken word for word from the Bible!
Apostle Peter wrote his first letter addressed to Christian scattered in “Pontus, Galatia, Cappadocia, Asia, and Bithynia” (1 Peter 1:1) and in 1 Peter 2:9 he wrote, “But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light. “
In this verse, "a people for his own possession" reflects the same idea of being peculiar or unique, set apart for God's glory and purposes.
As God’s special possession, we have been set apart for holiness. I used to think being called holy meant that you were pure and made no mistakes and as far as I was concerned, I didn’t have much hope of attaining holiness. I soon discovered that holiness is not merely about moral purity but encompasses living a life dedicated to God. This dedication involves being distinct in values, behaviour, and purpose. As we commit our lives to God and choose to follow His ways, He is the one who makes us holy by changing us from within. This is why Paul admonishes believers in Romans 12:2:
"Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect." (ESV)
As peculiar people, believers are called to be ambassadors of Christ. This means representing Christ in every sphere of life, from personal relationships to professional environments. It involves living out the principles of love, justice, and mercy. Paul explains this role in 2 Corinthians 5:20: "Therefore, we are ambassadors for Christ, God making his appeal through us. We implore you on behalf of Christ, be reconciled to God." (ESV)
As Peculiar people or God’s chosen people, we are called to proclaim the excellencies of God. This involves sharing the gospel and testifying to God's work in our lives. It is about pointing others to the light of Christ in a world often shrouded in darkness. This was what Peter highlighted in the last part of 1 Peter 2:9 “to proclaim he excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvellous light."
Living as God’s chosen people in today’s world is not a walk in the park. We are called to be the light in the dark. Jesus said, “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden” (Matthew 5:14) This could involve standing up for truth in the face of relativism, showing compassion in a world that can be harsh, and maintaining integrity when it is easier to compromise.
Believers are also called to foster genuine community and fellowship. In a time where individualism is rampant, the church can be a place of authentic relationships and mutual support. This sense of community reflects the unity and love that Jesus prayed for in John 17:21.
Another one of the hallmarks of God’s peculiar people is service and sacrifice. We live in a culture that often prioritises self-interest but believers are called to follow the example of Christ, who came not to be served but to serve (Mark 10:45). This can be seen in acts of kindness, social justice efforts, and sacrificial love.
Being a peculiar people is both a privilege and a responsibility. It means living lives that are set apart, reflecting God's holiness, and demonstrating His love to the world. For present-day believers, this identity calls for a commitment to live out the gospel in tangible ways, making a difference in a world that desperately needs hope and light.
As we embrace our identity as a peculiar people, may we continually seek to honour God in all we do, remembering that we are His treasured possession, called to proclaim His marvellous works to a watching world.
