Encouragement for Your Week: November 9-15
This Week’s Verse
But you are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, His own special people, that you may proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.
—1 Peter 2:9 (NKJV)
Devotion
In the Old Covenant, God’s people were mainly the nation of Israel. But in the New Covenant, God’s family has expanded to include people “from every tribe and language and people and nation” (Revelation 5:9). What was once limited to Israel has now been opened to the whole world through the Church.
Because of this, the blessings given to God’s people in the Old Covenant now belong to the New Covenant Church. For example:
We are a chosen generation. Just as God chose Israel, He has also chosen the Church. As Peter reminds us, we are “elect according to the foreknowledge of God the Father” (1 Peter 1:2). Our faith isn’t random—it’s part of God’s plan.
We are a royal priesthood. Israel was called “a kingdom of priests” (Exodus 19:6). In the same way, we are priests who serve the King. As His royal servants, we represent Him to the world and bring our prayers and worship to Him.
We are a holy nation. Just as Israel was set apart from the nations around them, the Church is called to be set apart from unbelief and sin. We belong fully to God and live in a way that honors Him.
We are His special people. Israel was formed to be God’s own possession (Isaiah 43:21). Now the Church is also His treasured people—set aside for Him alone.
All of this comes with a purpose: we are called to “proclaim the praises of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.” God has rescued us from the darkness of sin and brought us into the light of His truth and love.
So this week, lift up your praise to God. Remember that He chose you, set you apart, and made you precious to Himself.
This Week’s Challenge
Each day this week, take a moment to thank God for one way He has made you His own—whether by choosing you, setting you apart, calling you to serve, or making you His treasured possession. Then, share this truth someone—through an encouraging word, a kind action, or simply by pointing them to Jesus.