Peculiar

"You are a peculiar people," 1 Peter 2:9.

That's the line given any number of times when kids (and other learners) might ask about some practice in their religion that is at odds with what folks in the wider religious community might do. The kids are to understand that God's people just do some weird things. Now, God's people indeed express uncommon loyalty and love for each other since they confess Jesus as Lord. Yet, the peculiarity in that line above nuances something else. It tells that people who once were nobodies, but who now believe in Christ, become a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation. They become particular to God. God's own personal treasured possession. Peculiar to God. An extraordinary people. Sky kingdom.

When we meet with a brother or sister today, we recognize God, Maker of nobodies into extraordinaries. And, together, we give thanks to God, Maker of heaven and earth.