This text not only appoints praise but represents a basic revelation of the Bible: God wants a people who will walk with Him in prayer, march with Him in praise, thank and worship Him. In Peter’s description, notice how the people of the New Covenant are to progress.
First, we are called a chosen generation, a people begun with Jesus’ choice of the Twelve, who became 120, to whom were added thousands at Pentecost. We are a part of this continually expanding generation, “chosen” when we receive Christ. Then we are a royal priesthood. Under the Old Covenant, the priesthood and royalty were separated. In Christ we are now “kings and priests” (Rev. 1:6), prepared for walking with Him in the light or warring beside Him against the hosts of darkness. Next we are made a holy nation, born of Jesus’ blood, from every nation under heaven.
Finally He calls us His own special people. God’s intention has always been to call forth a people who will proclaim His praise and spread His blessing throughout the earth. Let us do that today!
