You Are God's Chosen and Special People

Starting Something New

What is it like when you go somewhere new — to a new school, or start a new job? What is it like when you start something that is different to what you're used to? Maybe you started playing a new sport or learning to play a new instrument. Maybe you're performing in a school concert or a play or a musical.

It's always a bit scary at first, and you worry, will it be okay? Sometimes it takes a long time to get used to a new place and new people. We need our family and friends to support us and encourage us and be with us.

The Early Church Needed Encouragement Too

After Jesus died and went up to be with God in heaven, the disciples and the other followers went out and told people all about Jesus. They even went to other countries — to places in Asia and Europe and Africa. Many of these people believed in Jesus, and they started new churches: Christian people who met together and shared their faith with each other.

These groups of churches often faced opposition from other people in their community who worshipped other gods. But just like we need encouragement as we go to new places or try new things, these churches also needed encouragement to keep them strong in their new faith.

So some of the disciples — like Peter, James, and John — as well as St. Paul, wrote letters to these churches, encouraging them to continue believing in God and Jesus.

Peter's Letter of Encouragement

One of our readings today comes from the letter of the disciple Peter, and he's writing to churches in some parts of what we know as Asia and Europe. He wrote to encourage them to continue believing in Jesus and growing in their faith. Many of these Christians faced difficulties and persecution because they followed Jesus and not the other gods of their neighbours.

Peter begins his letter with these words:

"What a great God we have and how fortunate we are to have him, this Father of our Lord Jesus. Jesus was raised from the dead and we've been given a brand new life and have everything to live for, including a future in heaven. And the future starts now. God is keeping careful watch over us and the future."

Peter is reminding them how lucky they are to have such a great and loving God, even though they will face opposition and persecution. But God is always looking after them.

God's Chosen People

Peter went on to tell them that they were God's chosen people — a special people. It didn't matter what other people said or did to them. They would always be God's chosen and special people. And he told them they were to tell other people about Jesus and God.

Now, it's not only the people back in the Bible days — we too are God's special people. God has chosen each one of us, you and I, no matter where we are, how old we are, or what we do.

Remember that we are a special people to God. God has chosen you and loves you and wants you to tell your friends about Jesus. And as with the early church, God is always there — caring for his people and loving them.