Scripture Read: Titus 2:14-15 who gave Himself for us to redeem us from every lawless deed, and to purify for Himself a people for His own possession, zealous for good deeds. 15 These things speak and exhort and reprove with all authority. Let no one disregard you.
Application: When we consider all that redemption brings – it should cause us to pause, ponder and praise! Not only does He free us from that nasty master – sin, but He makes us His own…
περιούσιος perioúsios; Abundant, costly, select. Used only in Titus 2:14 and translated “peculiar.” (KJV) It refers to God’s chosen people in whom He has a special interest, one which exceeds His common concern for mankind in general. Thus the phrase should better be translated, “His treasured people” (a.t.), the same as the “purchased people” referred to in 1 Pet. 2:9. (See Sept.: Ex. 19:5; Deut. 7:6; 14:2; 26:18). [1] In the NT λαὸς περιούσιος occurs only at Tt. 2:14 as a quotation from the LXX (Ex. 19:5; Dt. 14:2; Ez. 37:23). By Jesus’ work of redemption God has created for Himself a people which is for Him a costly possession, a choice treasure. [2]
The thought that through redemption He made me a very special person that He takes special interest in should overwhelm us as we meditate on that thought. The God of the universe interested in who I am, what I do, what is going on in my life – it seems impossible - but it is true. This is where we need to settle in our mind and live. This reality will impact how we live. If we can see that our life is intertwined with His what a difference that makes. Many times we act as though our life only affects us – this is not true. There is no action – good or bad – that affects only us. That is the lie the flesh tells us so we can cultivate those nice, private sins. We think – this hurts no one – I’m the only one it affects. Meanwhile the Lover of our soul is hurt – He has emotions, He feels, He is God but every human feeling we experience came from Him – so think how you feel when the one you love does things that will destroy themselves. The pain is real! Consider how you feel when the one you love does something great – the joy is real! So it is with our Lord. His life is connected to ours through the redemption He supplied. Lord help us to remember at every moment You are part of and affected by every decision we make.
* Meditation Questions: The last time you were discouraged, which is very human, did you consider what God has given you? When you think about being a “child of the King” does that puff you up with spiritual pride, or fill your heart with eternal gratitude? What does that show you? Is it possible that at times you take for granted what Jesus did? What do you do when you realize that?
Zodhiates, S. (2000).
The complete word study dictionary : New Testament (electronic ed.). Chattanooga, TN: AMG Publishers.
Theological dictionary of the New Testament. 1964- (G. Kittel, G. W. Bromiley & G. Friedrich, Ed.) (electronic ed.). Grand Rapids, MI: Eerdmans.
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