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May 27, 1999, Thursday
Is there a particular group of people on this earth who
are considered special and have preferred privileges?
Would you think that particular people would be exempt
from hardship and physical difficulty with the benefit
of preferred privileges? Would you think that a reward
would be appropriate for a prince that declined benefits
and riches of the kingdom to pursue activities that were
a benefit to his people?
Peter tells us that spiritual Israel, that purchased
body of Believers called the Church, is the particular
special property and treasure of Christ. He is happy
to call the Believer and Disciple a prince! The person
without Christ is in the darkness of spiritual poverty-
"But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood,
a holy people, His own special nation, that you may
proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of the
darkness into His marvelous light" (1Pet 2:9). Every
person that has accepted the Lordship of Christ was a
spiritual pauper once, but as a prince has renewed the
practice and principle of his mind to God's will. That
will of God calls His elect to excellency in daily life
by His mercy. There is nothing that motivates a person
to right thoughts and living like God's mercy and love!
The Psalmist comprehended the spiritual prosperity of the
particular people of God by His own mercy. Appearance of
a physical hardship in the life of His own people was seen
as only temporary, but he prayed that he would the result-
"That I may see the prosperity of Your chosen ones, That
I may rejoice in the gladness of Your nation, That I may
glory with Your inheritance" (Psa 106:5). His desire was
to rejoice in the end result of God's mercy to sanctify
and set His people apart! At times when many may think
God has forgotten them, one may remember the favor that
belongs to God's child and will one day enjoy completely!
James asked a question to those particular people of God
that aleady knew the answer, but asked it to confirm the
point and relation of piety and prosperity in a Believer-
"Listen, my beloved brethren: did not God choose the poor
of this world to be rich in faith and heirs of the kingdom
which He promised to those who love Him?" (James 2:5).
The fact that piety may involve physical difficulty indicated
that the priority one has to piety could and often mean a
sacrifice of physical prosperity items of this temporary
life. The heir and prince to the riches of eternity makes
a relatively small sacrifice compared to the reward that
he will receive by God's mercy and grace!
Let us remember who is the God that sanctifies us as a
holy people. God's Name is Jehová Mekaddesh, He is the
Lord that sets His people apart. He completely cleanses
us from all unrighteousness. He completely liberates us
from the power of sin. He completely fills us with His
Holy Spirit. Lift your hands to Him and Praise Him today
for His mercy, purpose, and will to sanctify us!
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