“But you are a chosen people, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people belonging to God, that you may declare the praises of him who called you out of darkness into his wonderful light” (1Peter 2:9).
God is calling us out of “something” into “something” better. God is calling people out of sin into righteousness; out of a worldly way of life into a godly way of life; out of a state of ignorance into a state of knowledge; out of concern with the physical reality (which can result in anxiety and despair) into “a rest” of spiritual wellbeing. Jesus is calling, “Come to Me…”
God called Abraham from his native place into a different place, ”…Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you” (Genesis 12:1).
Let us note that God did not give Abraham the exact location of his final destination and it wasn’t for Abraham to choose one. It wasn’t something like, “Come out and find a better place for you…” It was God who would let Abraham know about the exact place. God called Abraham out of his place into a place chosen by God.
I believe that Abraham’s call was NOT primarily about a geographical relocation. I believe that Abraham’s call was in essence a spiritual relocation…a move “good for the soul”. “I will bless you…and all peoples on earth will be blessed through you…” (vv.2, 3). A move good for the soul!
I am using Abraham’s example to make the point that God always calls us to something better, because He has our best on His heart.
So, “God…who alone is immortal and who lives in unapproachable light, whom no one has seen or can see…” (1Tim 6:16) called us out of darkness into His marvellous light (1Peter 2:9).
With Jesus, “…Light has come into the world…” (John 3:19) and with Him all people are invited to come and live under the blessings of this divine light – life that extends into eternity, in His presence, under the light of His glory and the light of the Lamb (Revelation 21:23)