“For the grace of God that bringeth salvation hath appeared to all men, Teaching us that, denying ungodliness and worldly lusts, we should live soberly, righteously, and godly, in this present world; Looking for that blessed hope, and the glorious appearing of the great God and our Saviour Jesus Christ; Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works.” Titus 2:11-14
The word peculiar here conveys the idea of being beyond usual, special, one’s own, or belonging exclusively to. After God chose the Israelites as His own people, He gave them many commandments that made it obvious that they were peculiar to Him. They rested on the seventh day of the week. They were not allowed to eat pork or any other unclean meat. They were to wear ribbons of blue on the edges of their garments to remind them of God’s commandments. They were to bind scripture portions on their hands, foreheads, and doorways so that God’s Word was always before them. They were forbidden to intermarry with the people who worshipped other gods. All of these things made it obvious that they belonged to God. If a stranger passed through their land, or if they travelled abroad, it was obvious that they belonged to God. God still wants it to be readily apparent who belongs to Him. He wants us to be a people who are zealous of good works. When people have an opportunity to observe what you do, is it clear to them that you belong to God?
Morning: Jeremiah 24-26
Evening: Titus 2