1 Peter 2:9–10 (ESV) ⁹ 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. ¹⁰ Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.

My wife has worked as a career counselor. And if there is one thing we’ve discussed about this, it is how few people ever truly find gainful employment doing something they really love. Those who do, count it a treasure indeed.

So it is I wonder how often we as Believers reflect on the glorious, holy “employment” we are blessed to have as Christ’s people? I think of this when I read these short verses above. It is easy for us to get caught up with the wonder of God’s electing love and grace, without reflecting on WHY we have been so gloriously blessed.

So we read that Believers are: “a chosen race”; “a royal priesthood”; “a holy nation”; “a people for his own possession” – but these are not ENDS in themselves – as stupendously wonderful as they are. We are indeed all these things if we are in Christ – but it is “THAT YOU”… – do not miss those absolutely crucial words – “THAT YOU”. Why are we all these things? So that we might have the high joy and privilege of proclaiming (making known in word and experience) the “excellencies” of this God who called us out of darkness, into His marvelous light. And He has 2 “excellencies” in mind in particular: 1. Grace. To make it known that God is a God of grace – of lavish, unmerited favor. 2. Mercy. That God is a God of deep, unfathomable mercy toward us and our sinfulness. This is what Peter unpacks in verse 10.

1. Grace. Once we were not a people – but now, we are GOD’S people – His own family. How more “graced” can we be? To have been His enemies, and now to be His children. Beloved – THIS, is grace.

2. Mercy. Once we had not received mercy – we were abiding under the just wrath of God. But now? We have RECEVIED mercy, we have been forgiven. Wondrously, marvelously, miraculously washed in the “soul-cleansing blood of the Lamb.” We are a mercied people.

Can you recall the days before you were graced and mercied in Christ? And can you take a few moments today to discharge your newly appointed occupation making it known that this God in Christ Jesus is abundant in grace for all who come to Him, and immeasurably merciful to all who flee for shelter under His cross?

This, is an occupation of love!