CHOSEN

The phrase 'God’s chosen people' is no longer restricted to the nation of Israel. It now refers to all those who have received Jesus Christ as Savior. Peter encouraged believers with these words ... 

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; who once were not a people but are now the people of God, who had not obtained mercy but now have obtained mercy. 1 Peter 2:9-10

It is humbling to think just how treasured we are by God. It is by His initiative that we were drawn to Him and saved. 

Coming to Him as to a living stone, rejected indeed by men, but chosen by God and precious, you also, as living stones, are being built up a spiritual house, a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 2:4-5

We are the 'stones' with which He has constructed His church. Our personal testimony concerning the Lordship of Jesus Christ is what holds us together. We rest upon a firm foundation, the Son of God ... 

The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone. Mark 12:10

Throughout history, God has claimed for Himself a people to serve as His heritage. We are not worthy of this honor ... but through faith in the One who is worthy, we have become His prized possession. 

The Lord separates and sanctifies ... You did not choose Me, but I chose you and appointed you that you should go and bear fruit and that your fruit should remain, that whatever you ask the Father in My name He may give you. (John 15:16)

That which we've inherited as God's chosen people is not only to be received with gratitude; it is to motivate us to testify of His goodness. Like panels of stained glass through which the sun pours, we are used to illuminate a dark world.