St Peter was writing to his scattered believers who were facing persecution for their faith. He was encouraging them by emphasising that although they were rejected by others for their faith, they were precious to God. Peter assured the believers that they were “a royal priesthood…God’s own people.” They were called to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with others by the way in which they lived. God is calling us to do the same – to live honourably so that others will notice and be drawn to God.

Bartimaeus, a blind beggar, was sitting by the roadside when Jesus came along. Bartimaeus had heard of Jesus and believed that Jesus could heal him. When Jesus asked him what he wanted, Bartimaeus immediately stated that he wanted to see. Jesus healed him. Mark tells us that Bartimaeus then followed Jesus “along the road.” There are a couple of lessons for us here. First of all, Bartimaeus knew, with all his being, that Jesus would heal him. He also told Jesus what he wanted and when he received his healing, he followed Jesus. Do you know what you want Jesus to do for you? Have you asked Jesus for this? And are you willing to follow Jesus? For we can ask, because we are God’s chosen people, a royal priesthood.