Royalty is a word very few have in their description when they must explain who they are. It is a phrase we associate with others and stare in wonder at their lives. A few years ago, the marriage of the Prince of Wales was all the rage. Everyone wanted to see the royal wedding. It was the same for his brother and his parents. Because of the time difference between America and England, many people I know set their clocks to rise earlier than usual to watch the wedding. The world places great importance on those with titles before their name, especially when they are part of a royal family. Little girls dress up as princesses. They want to mimic the ones they see in movies and pretend to be a princess. They feel special while portraying the role of royalty.
While the vast majority will never be considered royalty on this earth, we are royalty, but we are of another kingdom. Peter turns the corner in I Peter 2:9-10 from unbelievers who rejected Jesus, the chief cornerstone, to believers he identifies as a Royal Priesthood. We are called a holy nation and a peculiar people.
I Peter 2:9 “But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light:”
Notice this verse begins with “But.” He has just told us in the previous verse how the Jews rejected Jesus. He is the foundation of the house of God, but they stumbled over him. They did not want a servant who came to suffer. They wanted a conquering King! Most today still reject him, but those who have received Him as their Savior have become royalty. We should be drastically different because we are chosen. If you travel around the world, you will see a vast difference between the habits and desires of other countries and people. This should also be evidenced in those of the royal priesthood. In Matthew 5:13, Jesus calls us the salt of the earth. Salt is an agent used to preserve. We are to preserve this world from decay by introducing them to Jesus, who can bring them into this royal family. In verse 14, he calls us the light of the world. We show the way to the royal kingdom.
I Peter 2:10-11 “Which in time past were not a people, but are now the people of God: which had not obtained mercy, but now have obtained mercy. Dearly beloved, I beseech you as strangers and pilgrims, abstain from fleshly lusts, which war against the soul;”
Peter reminds us that we are the people of God, and we have obtained mercy. Because of the mercy given, we should act differently than the world. We should understand we are not at home. We are strangers to this world. Whether we are in the middle of suffering or feel as if we are on the mountaintop, we should live our lives as His dear children. Sometimes, when we see the persecution that is happening to believers, we tend to begin to shrink back and to be a “silent” Christian. We tend to compromise to avoid standing out as different and sold out for Christ. This may have been happening in I Peter 2:11, where Peter instructs them to abstain from the fleshly lust of this world.
1Pe 2:12 “Having your conversation honest among the Gentiles: that, whereas they speak against you as evildoers, they may by your good works, which they shall behold, glorify God in the day of visitation.”
He proceeds to instruct us to have honest conduct. To be known for telling the truth, doing good deeds for others, and spreading the name of the one who saved us.
Today, in America, the closest thing we have to royalty is exhibited in Washington, D.C. Millions will watch and participate in the inauguration of a new President of the United States. They will be enamored with the parade and the gala to follow, but all they can do is watch. One day, those who have accepted Jesus as our Savior will be invited to spend eternity with the King of Kings. This will be true royalty. He is our Father, and we are to live our lives to glorify Him. Until then, we should not forget that we are royalty, and we must act like it!
