Read to Read …Again
Daily Reading: Deuteronomy 14-16
Deuteronomy 14:2
For thou art an holy people unto the LORD thy God, and the LORD hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all the nations that are upon the earth.
Let’s face it. No one wants to be known today as peculiar. This word has taken on a modern meaning that is far from its historical definition. Most probably consider a peculiar person as strange, weird, bizarre, odd, and even perhaps creepy. None of this is what the word means. According to Websters 1828 dictionary the definition of “peculiar” is: “Exclusive property; that which belongs to a person in exclusion of others.” An illustration of this word is “each writer has a peculiar style.” This means that a writer has individual traits that are continuously used in their writings. By carefully reading the Books of the Bible some style peculiarities can be noticed. For example, John predominantly writes about love; in his four books he uses the word 71 times. Paul uses the word a few times more, but throughout 13 books.
If you own a vehicle, that vehicle is peculiar to you. You and you alone own it. Others may ride in it, may borrow it, but it is yours. Likewise, those who claim salvation through Christ’s Gospel belong to Him. In proof of this point, the Apostle Paul states clearly that Christians have been “bought with a price” I Corinthians 6:20 and 7:23. He purchased us with His precious blood.
Then both Paul and Peter use the word peculiar to describe those in Christ (Titus 2:14 and I Peter 2:9-10). In these two passages, eleven characteristics of the Lord’s peculiar people are listed:
1. Redeemed from all iniquity.
2. Purified unto Him.
3. Zealous of good works.
4. A chosen generation.
5. A royal priesthood.
6. A Holy nation.
7. That we may show forth praises unto Him.
8. Called out of darkness into His marvelous light.
9. The people of God.
10. Have obtained mercy.
To the world these characteristics may seem strange, weird, bizarre, or odd, but they do not make us peculiar; the fact that God purchased us through the blood of His Son is what makes us peculiar. Just as Israel was to be His, we too are to be His, and His alone!
Dr. William T. Howe
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