Who gave Himself for us, that he might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people, zealous of good works (Titus 2:14). He gave His life to free us from every kind of sin, to cleanse us, and to make us his very own people, totally committed to doing good deeds (NLT).
The word peculiar in the above verse shows us just how much the Father loves us. When we think of the word peculiar, we think of something or someone who is so out of the ordinary that they are strange. But here it has a glorious meaning for the believer.
The Greek word for peculiar is periousios, and is made from two Greek Words. One means around, like a circle, and the other means simply to be. When you put the two words together it forms the picture of a dot within a circle.
As the circle surrounds the dot on all sides, so the Lord surrounds us, encases us, protects us, and watches over us as His own special possession! The dot belongs to nothing but the circle. It has a relationship of closeness with the circle as it has with nothing else!
The Father has reserved us in Christ for Himself. We belong to Him and Him alone. This is a place of privilege and care. 1 Peter 2:9-10 says it well: But you are not like that, for you are a chosen people. You are royal priests, a holy nation, God’s very own possession. As a result, you can show others the goodness of God, for he called you out of the darkness into his wonderful light. Once you had no identity as a people; now you are God’s people. Once you received no mercy; now you have received God’s mercy (New Living).
The Father loves us just as much as He loves His own Son. We are unique to Him. We are the ones that are cared for. Just as a mother holds the newborn babe tightly to her chest, so the Father surrounds us with His intimate care. That’s a good thing to know when you’re in a really hard place.
Being peculiar, or seeing ourselves as the dot surrounded by the circle is also a place of protection. Nothing can come to the dot except it penetrates the circle. The Father has provided us all we need to live life in a fallen world. He has placed His favor and protection upon us. He surrounds us!
The temptations in your life are no different from what others experience. And God is faithful. He will not allow the temptation to be more than you can stand. When you are tempted, he will show you a way out so that you can endure (1 Corinthians 10:13 –NLT).
When temptations come from without and penetrate the circle, the Father has provided you with the needed strength to resist them. You’re not by yourself. Cry out for His ready help.
When the tests of life come to you, you’re not alone in facing them. The Father encircles you. You and He are walking together through life. He has given you His favor and protection. His ability is yours. His grace, His favor and ability make you more than able to face every issue life brings and overcome!
See yourself today as the dot within the circle of God’s love and care. It’s a great thing to be peculiar!