One of my favorite things about Scripture is all of the common threads that weave their way through the overall story. One of these threads is God calling people to himself and telling them to live lives that look different from the rest of the world around them, lives that display the grace, mercy, and power of God.
A clear example of this theme comes in Exodus 19 and 1 Peter 2. In Exodus 19:4-6, God has brought Israel up out of Egypt and brought them to himself. As they gather at Sinai, God tells them: You yourselves have seen what I did to the Egyptians, and how I bore you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. Now therefore, if you will indeed obey my voice and keep my covenant, you shall be my treasured possession among all peoples, for all the earth is mine; and you shall be to me a kingdom of priests and a holy nation. These are the words that you shall speak to the people of Israel.”
This setup is followed up by the giving of the covenant that they are to obey, the 10 Commandments and the rest of the Law. Now, as the people live according to the Law, they will serve as a "kingdom of priests", that is, the people who stand between God and the Gentiles. The rest of the Old Testament holds to the idea that when Israel is obedient, all nations will see the greatness of Yahweh, and come to worship him. Of course, Israel as a nation didn't do this, but Israel reduced to one, Jesus, did.
Now, keeping in mind Exodus 19, read 1 Peter 2:9-10: But you are a chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for his own possession, that you may proclaim the excellencies of him who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. Once you were not a people, but now you are God’s people; once you had not received mercy, but now you have received mercy.
Notice how once again you have the action of God, this time in Christ, redefining the lives of the people and placing them in the position of priests, that is those who stand between God and the rest of the world and are to serve as a witness to the grace, mercy, and power of God.
As 1 Peter continues, in chapter 3, he identifies how the people are to live, specifically in the vocations of family and as citizens. The witness of this different life comes to fruition in 1 Peter 3:15 where non-believers approach Christians asking about the hope that is in them. In other words, the life of the Christian is so impressive that those outside the faith look at Christians and want what they have which provides the opportunity for the evangelistic proclamation of Jesus.
Tying this back into yesterday's post, the "as you go" involves living out a life of faith that looks different and opens up teaching moments as non-believers see Christ working in your life and come to you asking about the hope you have that enables such a life.
Don't you have a coffee cup that has that first quote on it?
Actually, I think the cup is Isaiah 40:31 ... but it too talks about eagles.