9 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. 10 Once you were not a people, but now you are the people of God; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy. 11 Dear friends, I urge you, as foreigners and exiles, to abstain from sinful desires, which wage war against your soul. 12 Live such good lives among the pagans that, though they accuse you of doing wrong, they may see your good deeds and glorify God on the day he visits us. 13 Submit yourselves for the Lord’s sake to every human authority: whether to the emperor, as the supreme authority, 14 or to governors, who are sent by him to punish those who do wrong and to commend those who do right. 15 For it is God’s will that by doing good you should silence the ignorant talk of foolish people. 16 Live as free people, but do not use your freedom as a cover-up for evil; live as God’s slaves. 17 Show proper respect to everyone, love the family of believers, fear God, honor the emperor.
Dan's Thoughts:
Have you ever not been picked for a game, or picked last? It stinks, doesn't it. How does it make you feel to know that you are chosen by the God of the universe to be in his royal priesthood. You are considered by God, royalty. Earth is the closest to hell a Christian will ever get. But for a non-Christian, this is their home, and the closest they will ever get to heaven. Live your life today with transformative power of knowing that you are free from this world, its values, desires, economies, and trouble.
Also, today is September 11. Take a moment in prayer to thank God for the firefighters, police, emergency workers, doctors, and other public servants who give of themselves so we can live better lives.
Questions For Reflection:
1. Which verse stuck out to me the most? Why?
2. What is God telling me through this passage?
3. What transformation in my heart needs to take place because of what this passage means?
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