Consider for a moment this astonishing text which quite clearly presents the true believer's calling, sacred occupation, heavenly nationality, expected moral standards and spiritual identity. By studying this verse closely true believers will become aware of all these things.

This word does not mean that YaHuWaH 's people are to be odd, strange or weird in any way. Rather, the people of the Most High are a 'special treasure,' 'beyond the ordinary' and a 'people for acquisition.' Let us further examine their peculiarities.

NOTE: Holiness involves being set apart for sacred use. The people of the Most High are to be a holy nation, a nation set apart for sacred use. If we fulfill this divine objective, then we will be a 'peculiar people.' If we do not, then we are just ordinary folk, no matter how rich, educated, talented, popular or attractive we may consider ourselves to be. The qualities that put true believers beyond the ordinary are spiritual qualities:

• Faith
• Righteousness (Obedience)
• Good Works
• Holiness
• Sacrifice etc.

The aim of most people is to be in the fashion or to be better than others. So they try to excel in sport, in wealth, power, possessions, popularity and fame. There is no end to the lengths they will go to out-do fellow mortals. The motivation is usually vanity - self-pride: a very destructive force I may add. The Most High is not impressed with the motivation of pride and its outcomes. He is only impressed by qualities like holiness, faithfulness, obedience, integrity, humility, generosity, gratitude, hospitality etc. YaHuWaH wants His people to be different.

Why does the Most High want His people to be different? The answer is given in the text itself: 'That ye should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light.'

In short we believers should be different in order to declare the truths of the Almighty to the world: truths which should be having a profound effect on our own lives. We are chosen to be different, to be a holy nation for that noble purpose. Oh what a high and noble calling that is!

The ultimate objective is that others might see, enquire, learn and come to know the Almighty YaHuWaH and then choose to follow Him.

Here's where the preacher and the ordinary believer come into the picture: for we are to take the good news to all the world (Matthew 28:19-20). That is our commission. Yes, believe it or not, that is the sacred task believers are expected to become involved in. We are to give to the Most High the glory due His name so that others will put their trust in Him and live. That is the main purpose of praising YaHuWaH. I repeat: we praise Him not to flatter Him; but that others may turn to Him, trust Him, accept His offer of salvation and live for eternity!

No matter what your position in life may be, whether you are rich or poor, educated or ignorant, healthy or sick, powerful or powerless; these things are of little account in the currency of heaven. What matters is that you believe in YaHuWaH ; you are His and are therefore a very special kind of person - a living treasure. And you are His for the express purpose of showing forth His praises to others, so that they may hear about His only begotten Son YAHUSHUA the Savior, believe in Him and be saved! That is the measure and purpose of your calling. Never forget it.

The true believer is one of the most privileged persons on earth. In the Kingdom we will all appreciate the full extent of this fact, which now we know only in part. Future sermons in this category will deal with great men and women of YaHuWaH whose lives testify to the fact that they were YaHuWaH 's peculiar people, His special spiritual treasure!