When a baby is born, he is usually given a first and a middle name. Occasionally only a first name, and sometimes he is saddled with a hyphenated last name. And just think! God knew your name from the beginning of time and He has added more.

To clarify, there are many names that God has given you, but for this devotion, I will concentrate on one (1) verse and one verse only. The King James (KJV) name is the lead quote and the New International Version (NIV) is in parentheses.

1.) Chosen generation (chosen people)

2.) Royal priesthood (royal priesthood)

3.) Holy nation (holy nation)

4.) Peculiar people (God’s special possession).

In olden times, names were chosen for whom the parents believed that baby would be. (For instance, God told Sarah to name her baby Isaac, which means laughter, because she laughed when the angel told her she would conceive – Sarah was very old when Isaac was born). YOU were chosen by God, to be a royal priest in a holy nation and you are peculiar/special.

Think about it! The God of the universe has given you four different names in one verse. He called you these wonderful names so that you will praise Him because He has called you out of the dark and into the light. He has many more wonderful monikers for you and we’ll adress those at a later date.

If you struggle with your identity or if you have come to believe that you are worthless, please read this short list again.

“But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an 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 2:19 (KJV)

“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, God’s special possession, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light.”1 Peter 2:9 (NIV)

© 2015Cat Brennan