But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light; (1 Peter 2:9 KJV)
Outstanding performance or feat is a product of understanding. We must never construe feat with luck. Good understanding of a subject is the hallmark of outstanding feat or achievement. The cognitive reality of this truth is pervasive through every endeavor or enterprise including our interpretation or interaction with God, His Word and His purpose.
About understanding, the Bible asserts, “Get wisdom, get understanding; do not forget my words or turn away from them. Do not forsake wisdom, and she will protect you; love her, and she will watch over you. The beginning of wisdom is this: Get[a] wisdom. Though it cost all you have,[b] get understanding. Cherish her, and she will exalt you; embrace her, and she will honor you. She will give you a garland to grace your head and present you with a glorious crown.” (Prov. 4:5-8 NIV). Notice the reward of getting wisdom and understanding is a glorious crown. We must be keen and acute about our thirst and penchant for understanding.
A certain Eunuch “…of great authority under Candace queen of the Ethiopians, who had the charge of all her treasure, and had come to Jerusalem for to worship”, the Bible describes, was reading the Scriptures but alas, he did not understand it. We must not allow this sort of “religiosity” impede or impair our spiritual service, pursuit or activity; engaging what we do not understand. This is the frustration of this great fellow until Philip (sent by God) interrupted his vain activity. Notice how Philip approached and engaged him: “Do you understand what you are reading?” Philip asked. (Acts 8:30 NIV). The good news and end of the encounter was “the eunuch…went on his way rejoicing.” (Acts 8:39 NIV). Yes, rejoicing is the lot and inheritance of anyone who understands the subject.
The import of the context of gaining understand is to challenge and direct us to research, meditate, investigate and appraise the depth and content of what God tells us in His Word. It is fallacy to be content with our reading the Bible (alone) without understanding what is said or read. The understanding of the Scripture will leave us going on our rejoicing. Praise the Lord.
The Scripture reference (1 Peter 1:9 KJV) stated above introduced us to a very sublime notice about why God called us out of darkness. Yes! We are grateful God delivered us from darkness, He saved our souls and crowned us with His bounteous blessings, etc. but do we understand why? It is our rich understanding of the composite plan and purpose of God that will relinquish the unfettered riches of salvation and afford us the rejoicing we need to continue in the Way
Consider this, ” that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvelous light” (1 Peter 2:9 KJV) The gregarious and pertinent resolve in salvation is to shew forth, proclaim, announce, declare, reveal, broadcast, manifest, disclose, etc. the praises, goodness, honor, accomplishment, success, triumph, tributes, etc. of God who called you out of darkness into his marvelous light. It is important to note and understand that the shew forth is not only at the instance of singing Praises of God with our mouth but demonstrating a lifestyle that ascribes worth and accolades to God who enabled and engineer us to (now) live an honest and pure life…that others may see our good works and give glory to our Father in Heaven (Matt. 5:16 KJV). Praise ye the Lord.