Called to be God’s Special Possession
The LORD said to Moses, “Speak to the entire assembly of Israel and say to them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’”
(Lev 19:1-2)
Today’s message is certainly applicable to all people, but let us focus on men: As we remember the Apostles Peter and Paul – men of faith, strong evangelists, and passionate teachers – men today should particularly read lessons and learn from the lives and teaching of these apostles. These are five quick commandments:
- The head of every man is Christ. (1Cor 11:3)
- In every place the men should pray, lifting holy hands without anger or quarreling. (1Tim 2:8)
- Husbands, be considerate as you live with your wives, and treat them with respect. (1Pet 3:8)
- The husband should fulfill his marital duty to his wife. (1Cor 7:3)
- Encourage the young men to be self-controlled. (1Tim 2:6)
Giving further thought to today’s topic of reflection, Peter, especially in his first letter, writes extensively about our calling to be God’s Special Possession; he particularly draws from the call to holiness in the Old Testament and interprets this in Christ. Another man, Moses, received these instructions from God, to pass them to the entire assembly of God’s people: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’ This means to be a separate people from all others, abstaining from all the impurity and idolatry, and observing the holy guidance given by the Lord. Their being distinguished from all other people by peculiar laws and customs was intended to teach them a real separation from the world and the flesh, and an entire devotedness to God. And Peter gladly points the believers in Christ to this requirement (1Pet 1:15-16), before defining their new status as a result of the extended calling.
The Israelites were required by law to follow some practical instructions in response; Moses’ exposition of the required holiness emphasized respect for parents, observing the Lord’s rest day, abstaining from worship of idols, offering acceptable sacrifices in an acceptable way, and providing for the poor (Lev 19:1-10). On the other hand, Peter’s exposition is a call to the awareness of the calling to be God’s special possession – to grow up in salvation, to offer acceptable spiritual sacrifices and to ‘declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light’ (1Pet 2:1-10). Men today have good examples to imitate, as well as good teaching to follow; only then will they fulfill God’s purpose for their lives. Remember, the head of every man is Christ.
God bless you all.