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GOD’S PEOPLE ARE “PECULIAR”

Victor M. Eskew

 

            Four times in the Old Testament, the people of Israel are referred as being “peculiar.”  “Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be a peculiar treasure unto me above all people:  for all the earth is mine” (Exo. 19:5).  “For thou art an holy nation unto the Lord thy God, and the Lord hath chosen thee to be a peculiar people unto himself, above all nations that are upon the earth” (Deut. 14:2).  “And the Lord hath avouched thee this day to be his peculiar people, as he hath promised thee, and that thou should keep all his commandments” (Deut. 26:18).  “For the Lord hath chosen Jacob unto himself, and Israel for his peculiar treasure” (Ps. 135:4).

            In the New Testament, this same term is applied two times to Christians.  “Who gave himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works” (Tit. 2:14).  “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” (I Pet. 2:9).

            What does the word “peculiar” mean?  Some think it refers to our being different from the world.  Those who use it in this manner seem to imply that we are supposed to be weird, strange, curious, unusual, and bizarre.  This is the meaning of the word in today’s vernacular.  This is not the meaning of the word as it is used in Scripture. 

            In the Old Testament, the word means “to shut up.”  What kind of things do we shut or lock up?  We shut up things that are of value.  Thus, the word came to mean wealth and jewels.  In a broader sense, it refers to special things and valued property.  In the New Testament, Strong begins his definition of the word with “being beyond usual.”  He, then, tells us the word means “special” and “one’s own.”  Thayer confirms that last definition with this definition:  “belonging to one’s possessions.” 

            With these definitions before us, there are five concepts that are involved in God’s people being peculiar.  First, we are God’s possession.  God’s people belong specifically to Him.  In the days of Moses, God chose Israel out of all the nations of the world and made a covenant with them.  All those who obey the gospel in these “last days” are also God’s possession *(Heb. 8;10).  They, too, belong specifically to Him. 

            Second, we are a “purchased” possession.  God purchased Israel with the blood of animals that pointed to the coming of Christ.  He has purchased His people under the New Covenant with the precious blood of Christ.  Paul, speaking to the elders of Ephesus, said:  “Take heed therefore unto yourselves, and to all the flock, over the which the Holy Ghost hath made you overseers, to feed the church of God, which he hath purchased with his own blood” (Acts 20:28).  When Jesus shed His blood on Calvary, He paid the ransom for sin (I Tim. 2:6).  All who will comply with the conditions of salvation set forth in the New Covenant can avail themselves of this blood.  When they do, they become part of God’s peculiar people.  All in this group have been purchased by His blood (Eph. 1:14).

            Third, God’s people are a valuable property.  The price that was paid for our sins was the blood of Jesus.  This was not the blood of an ordinary man.  This was the blood of the Son of God.  Deity came to earth and took the form of a human and died for mankind (Phil. 2:5-8).  His blood is priceless.  Therefore, when individuals avail themselves of Jesus’ sacrifice, they become a high-priced commodity.  It is interesting to note that twice in the Old Testament, Israel is called a peculiar “treasure.” 

            Fourth, God’s people are beyond usual.  Since God is the Creator of all things, all the world is His.  The psalmist wrote:  “The earth is the Lord’s, and the fullness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein” (Ps. 24:1).  Christians, however, belong to God on a different level.  They are beyond usual.  They are special.  They have come out of rebellion to God.  They have purified themselves with the blood of Jesus.  They have been added to that group known as the church, or, “the called out ones.”  When God looks down from heaven, He sees two categories of people.  He sees “the usual” and He sees His “special people” (II Tim. 2:19).  These “peculiar people” fall under the protective hand of God.  Too, they have special blessings promised to them.    

            Fifth, God’s people are a treasure.  Here, the definition involves those who are highly prized.  They are the ones who will stand on the right hand of God in Judgment and hear these words:  “Come, ye blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matt. 25:34).  They are the ones who will be privileged to live with God throughout eternity.  God prizes them.  He wants them to live with Him and He wants to live with them forever and ever.

            Christians are not weird, strange, and odd.  Christians are just people.  However, they are peculiar.  They are people who belong to God.  They have been purchased by Jesus’ blood.  They are valuable to God.  They are special to God.  They are highly prized in His eyes.  Having obtained this special place of honor, they have a responsibility to carry out.  Listen to Peter’s words once 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” (I Pet. 2:9).  Dear reader, if you are part of God’s peculiar people, show forth His praises.  Let the word know that you understand your place of honor and that you are highly favored by God.