THE HIGHEST CALLING!
I pray that you and your beloved ones are well – safe and in good health, by God’s grace.
The news that the current coronavirus crisis is coming under control in BC and that the health restrictions and regulations regarding religious services have been lifted have brought much joy to all of us. We can now congregate together to worship God and enjoy the fellowship with each other as a church family in our local congregations just following basic precautions as we would do with the seasonal flu. Yes, this was music to our ears and soothing to our hearts. It was a long and painful stretch. The BC Conference is suggesting that all the churches make their own decision as to when they will fully reopen for their services. Thank God for His protection over His church during these challenging times. Thank you for your cooperation as we had to deal with this unprecedented situation. We pay our respect to those who lost a beloved one due to Coronavirus and long for the day when Jesus will come to put an end to all suffering and pain that sin has created. Soon, all this misery will be no more, forever! We eagerly wait for that greatest occasion of all times! (1 Thess. 4:13-18; Rev: 21:1-5)
This morning, I would like to share with you one of my favourite Bible verses – 1 Peter 2:9: “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.” (NIV) This is the most known Bible verse which presents God’s universal priestly calling for all Christian believers. The Apostle Peter intends to share with us that God wishes to have a special relationship with Christian believers and that He has a very defined purpose for them. Yes, we are called to proclaim the virtues of the One Who called us from out of the darkness of this world into His marvelous light.
Initially, this responsibility was given to the Israelites as they were the ones commissioned by God to prepare the world for the coming of the promised Messiah. They were called to witness for God to the then-known world about that promise. God’s purpose was to bless the entire world through the Jewish nation. He established a covenant with that nation for them to reach all peoples with His message of salvation. Today, the identical mission is given to all Christian believers. Also, they are called to share their experience with God, their knowledge of Him, and what He has done for the whole world through Christ. We know that the world is submerged in sin, death, and is about to face an imminent destruction. However, Jesus offered Himself to save His children – all who accept Him as their Saviour – from this terrible doom. Therefore, as it was for the Jews, privileges also come with responsibilities. Christians have a special prestige — we are God’s people. This means that God expects us to invite all His children to enjoy the same status. The Apostle Peter makes it clear that Christians are God’s special people (1 Peter 2:10). Like the Israelites, who were not a nation but received His mercy to become God’s holy people, God wants Christian believers to be His representatives in the world. In the Bible the word “holy” means to be called and set apart for a specific purpose. Then, as a “holy nation” we, although living in the world, need to be separated from the world through a clear distinction seen in the way we live. We are expected to be like a fireplace in a cold night which attracts others to its warmth. We have received the glorious task to share God’s wonderful salvation of which we are participants of. What a privilege!
Today, I would like to invite all of us to “talk intimately” with our Heavenly Father about a special mission that He has for our lives because we all are priests and priestess of God, in His service, for the salvation of humanity. I pray that we will always live and enjoy this message in our minds and hearts. Let us share with others what God has graciously given to us to bless them in His name!
Please find below the link to our newest video: “The Local Church — Merritt SDA Church: Caring for the Community”. Although small, our Merritt Church is impacting their community with a humanitarian ministry that has helped to transform many lives – physically and spiritually. This video will bless those who watch it!
Thank you for your committed and caring service to God’s children!
Happy Sabbath!
In His Service,
Wesley Torres
President