Strange, odd, special, exclusive, private property….these are all meanings of the word ‘peculiar’. Exodus 19: 5 says: Now therefore. if you will obey my voice indeed and keep my covenant, then you shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people: for all the earth is mine.
Deuteronomy 14:2 For thou art an holy people unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord has chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
In the world today, it is sometimes hard to pick out those who call themselves Christians among a group mixed with non-believers. Too often we put our beliefs in God and His ways aside in order to fit in with those around us….so as not to appear different.
Most often the word ‘peculiar’ is used to describe something odd or strange. Who wants to be considered odd or strange today?….especially our young people who want nothing more than to fit in with their peers. However, in the verses above, the meaning is ‘special’. God chose us who believe in Him to be a special people belonging only to Him. Not only are we special, but holy….consecrated to God. What a privilege to be considered such a treasure by our Lord and Savior. Shouldn’t we be conducting ourselves differently than the non-believers? Not acting holier-than-thou by any means, but acting in ways that bring honor and glory to Him.
Titus 2:14 says: Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.
1 Peter 2: 9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should show forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light.
With the holidays approaching, what better time for this reminder that we are His…. and belonging to Him, we should find it easy to act in ways that please Him. Let us not get so busy with the holiday festivities that we forget the reason we celebrate. Sharing and caring are only a small part of the responsibility we have as children of the Most High. May we do all things as unto Him and share our joy of knowing Him with those who don’t. Let us forget the need to be like everybody else and get busy being the peculiar people we are….for the Lord who loved us enough to call us out of the darkness of this world and into the light of knowing Him.
I have always felt different from those around me, perhaps because of my shyness growing up, but I have always felt in place among the family of God. Being a peculiar people appeals to me for many reasons. It reminds me who I am and why I’m here….to serve the God who loved me before I even knew him….and to know He considers me a treasure. What a blessing to praise and serve such a loving God.
May we all strive to be a peculiar, loving people….ones who can be easily picked out of a crowd and they’ll know we are Christians by our love….His love…. the true reflection of the one we serve.
