Introduction

Living as part of God's chosen community is a central theme throughout the Bible, reflecting the relationship between God and His people. This concept is rooted in the covenantal promises made by God to His people, beginning with Abraham and extending through the New Testament Church. The chosen community is called to live distinctively, reflecting God's holiness, love, and justice in the world.

Old Testament Foundations

The idea of a chosen community begins with God's covenant with Abraham, where God promises to make Abraham's descendants a great nation (Genesis 12:2). This promise is reiterated to Isaac and Jacob, establishing the Israelites as God's chosen people. In Deuteronomy 7:6, Moses reminds the Israelites, "For you are a people holy to the LORD your God. The LORD your God has chosen you to be a people for His prized possession, above all peoples on the face of the earth."

The Israelites are called to live according to God's laws, which are given to them through Moses. These laws are not merely rules but a way of life that sets them apart from other nations. Leviticus 19:2 commands, "Speak to the entire congregation of the Israelites and tell them: ‘Be holy because I, the LORD your God, am holy.’" The holiness of the community is a reflection of God's own holiness.

Prophetic Vision

The prophets often called the Israelites back to their covenantal responsibilities, emphasizing justice, mercy, and faithfulness. Micah 6:8 encapsulates this call: "He has shown you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you but to act justly, to love mercy, and to walk humbly with your God?" The prophets envisioned a community that lived out God's righteousness and served as a light to the nations.

New Testament Fulfillment

In the New Testament, the concept of God's chosen community expands to include all who are in Christ, both Jew and Gentile. The Apostle Peter writes in 1 Peter 2:9, "But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God’s own possession, to proclaim the virtues of Him who called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." This new community, the Church, is called to live out the reality of the Kingdom of God on earth.

The early Church exemplified this communal life through their devotion to the apostles' teaching, fellowship, breaking of bread, and prayer (Acts 2:42). They shared their possessions and cared for one another, demonstrating the love of Christ in tangible ways.

Ethical Living and Witness

Living as part of God's chosen community involves ethical living that reflects the character of Christ. The Apostle Paul exhorts believers in Ephesians 4:1-3, "I urge you to walk in a manner worthy of the calling you have received: with all humility and gentleness, with patience, bearing with one another in love, and with diligence to preserve the unity of the Spirit through the bond of peace."

The community's witness to the world is paramount. Jesus Himself declared in Matthew 5:14-16, "You are the light of the world. A city on a hill cannot be hidden. Neither do people light a lamp and put it under a basket. Instead, they set it on a stand, and it gives light to everyone in the house. In the same way, let your light shine before men, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven."

Community and Mission

The mission of God's chosen community is to make disciples of all nations, as commanded in the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19-20). This mission is not only about evangelism but also about embodying the values of the Kingdom of God, such as justice, mercy, and love. The community is called to be salt and light, influencing the world for Christ while maintaining its distinctiveness.

Conclusion

Living as part of God's chosen community is a profound calling that encompasses identity, ethics, and mission. It is a life marked by holiness, love, and a commitment to God's purposes in the world. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, believers are equipped to live out this calling, reflecting the glory of God in every aspect of life.