Devo for 12/08/2024 service- Message by Pastor Clint Sprague
Pastor Clint spoke about the Wise Men and their journey to seek out the newborn King in continuation of the series “His Story is our Story.” Matthew chapter 2 shows how the Wisemen realized these two principles:
They needed to walk in Faith to discover their place in Jesus’ story and
Jesus had to be first over everything.
It took faith for the Wise Men to walk in obedience and travel to find baby Jesus. Hebrew 11:1 talks about faith being “the substance of things hoped for,” and “the evidence of things not seen.” These men put Jesus above all their needs and took off on their journey with faith that would move mountains! They lived by faith!
While unpacking the story, Pastor Clint spoke about how living by faith makes you look different. He referenced a verse that piqued my curiosity. Actually, what stood out was the word; peculiar.
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. 1 Peter 2:9
As I looked that word up, I found it has a drastically different meaning in the Greek than what we usually think about when we hear the word. In Greek Peculiar means possession, obtaining, acquisition. Other bible version use words such as Special People or A people for God’s own possession.
But I want to focus on the “American” definition of the word. Merriam-Webster defines Peculiar as distinctive, different from the usual or normal, special, odd, or eccentric. I believe that definition of peculiar supports Pastor Clint’s statement that “living by faith makes you look different”. As Christ Followers, we should look different from those who are not following Jesus.
I am not necessarily talking about looking different in appearance. I am talking about our actions and words. Do we talk and act in a way that non-believers, and even lukewarm Christians, would find peculiar?
The best part about this is that if we choose to live our lives as Jesus modeled for us (being different) and accept the invitation to be part of His story, other people will notice and will want what we have.
Here is an example of this I experienced: When I worked in a secular office, my coworkers would tell new employees to “stay away from Tim; he will bring you to the dark side.” See, they saw that I was different. I wasn’t overt about my love for Jesus unless asked or an opportunity presented itself; I just did my job and tried my best to have my actions glorify Him (Matthew 5:16). Invariably, several times a week, someone would come into my office with a problem or questions about God, and ask if they could talk. I would love on them and encourage them; of course, I would also invite them to come with me to church. This worked because I was ok with being “peculiar”
So, would your friends, co-workers, family, etc. say you are Peculiar? No matter your answer, know this: God thinks you are!!!
Don’t forget to invite God into your day!
Luke 12:7
Psalm 139:14
Jeramiah 29:11