"...But you are a chosen race , a royal priesthood , a holy nation , a people for His own possession , that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light . (1 Peter 2:9)
I get shivers up my spine when I read this verse... EVERY TIME. The way the Church is described- chosen race (God actually wanted us!) - a royal priesthood (We represent Jesus to the world PLUS we will reign with Him in the Kingdom to come!) a holy nation (It is HE who makes us different from any other nation or kingdom!) a people for His own possession (God created us, and owns us!... we belong to HIM!) - and here's the kicker... this is why we are here... that we may proclaim (declare) His excellencies - That's our job... to declare to a watching and dying world that our God lives! and there is life and hope in Him - Let's get busy!!